Is the embryonic antigen high in throat cancer?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on March 07, 2025
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Throat cancer is a relatively common otolaryngology disease and also belongs to a common type of head and neck malignant tumor. Generally, the carcinoembryonic antigen does not show obvious elevation because, currently, there are no characteristic tumor markers for throat cancer. Diagnosis is mainly based on the clinical experience of doctors, combined with laryngoscopic examination and CT scan of the throat area. For patients with throat cancer, it is advised to promptly visit an otolaryngology clinic after the onset of the disease and undergo related auxiliary examinations to clarify the specific extent of the condition. Common treatment methods include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. A targeted treatment plan should be chosen based on the clinical staging of the patient.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Is stage 2 laryngeal cancer considered early stage?

Throat cancer is a relatively common otolaryngological disease, and clinically it is divided into four stages: stage I, stage II, stage III, and stage IV. Stage II is considered mid-stage, while stages III and IV are considered late-stage or very late-stage. In terms of treatment, most patients can opt for surgical removal. After the surgery, the pathological biopsy results, combined with the presence of lymph node metastasis in the neck and preoperative CT scans, are considered comprehensively. Some patients may solely undergo surgery as their treatment, while others may require additional radiotherapy after surgery. The main aim is to reduce the chances of postoperative recurrence, and it is necessary to undergo regular long-term check-ups, generally recommended every three months, to confirm whether there is any recurrence after the surgery.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Throat cancer coughing up blood, what is going on?

Patients with laryngeal cancer may experience bleeding due to the rupture of local tumors. The surface tissue of tumors that develop in laryngeal cancer is relatively fragile, and may rupture and cause bleeding during stimuli such as eating or coughing. When these symptoms occur, it is crucial to visit a hospital for medical consultation immediately. Examinations like indirect laryngoscopy and electronic nasopharyngoscopy can help confirm the patient's symptoms and make an accurate diagnosis. Under the guidance of a physician, hemostatic drugs, antibiotics, and hormones can be used for temporary symptomatic treatment. Patients with laryngeal cancer should be detected and treated early, undergo surgery as soon as possible, and receive radiation and chemotherapy to ensure their survival.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Can you eat after a total laryngectomy for throat cancer?

After the total laryngectomy for throat cancer, a period of recovery is necessary, during which time liquid food is administered via a nasogastric tube. Once recovery is complete, it is possible to eat orally. Because the entire larynx is removed during a total laryngectomy, the functions of voice and breathing are lost, and breathing is instead facilitated through a tracheostomy in the neck. Eating is completely unaffected. After recovery from the total laryngectomy, food is ingested orally, passes through the pharynx, and goes directly into the esophagus. Thus, it is possible to eat orally after a total laryngectomy for throat cancer.

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Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
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Does CEA increase in throat cancer?

In the blood tests of some laryngeal cancer patients, an increase in the CEA index may be observed, but most laryngeal cancer patients do not exhibit abnormal CEA levels. This is because laryngeal cancer is a common malignant tumor in the head and neck region, and currently, there are no specific tumor markers clinically for laryngeal cancer. CEA, also known as carcinoembryonic antigen, is a tumor marker that is most often elevated in the bodies of patients with malignant tumors. Clinically, an increase in the CEA level is commonly seen in malignant tumors of the gastrointestinal tract, thoracic malignancies, malignancies in the female urogenital system, and some tumors in the male urogenital system. However, in patients with head and neck malignancies, this marker is not commonly elevated.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
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recurrence rate of throat cancer after surgery

Throat cancer is a common malignant tumor in the head and neck diagnosed by otolaryngologists. Its occurrence is often related to prolonged smoking, drinking, air pollution, and other adverse environmental factors. Currently, the primary treatment for throat cancer is surgical intervention. The likelihood of recurrence after surgery varies from person to person. For early-stage throat cancer patients, the chance of recurrence is relatively low if a thorough excision is performed. Complete recovery rates are usually above 70%-80%. However, for patients with lymph node metastasis in the middle to late stages, recurrence rates are typically above 50%-60%.