Abstract
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was examined histochemically in 131 lung cancer cases. For the detection of tissue antigen the PAP (peroxidase-antiperioxidase) and ABC (Avedin-Biotin-peroxidase Complex) methods were utilized. Positive staining of CEA was observed in 59.2% of all adenocacinoma cases, especially in well-differentiated cases. While CEA staining was generally weak in squamous cell carcinoma, positive findings were observed in 34%, mostly necrotic and cornificated areas.
Inmost cases with high values of preoperative plasma CEA and positive tissue CEA, the intensity of CEA staining was observed to be prominently increased. The few cases in which the values of CEA did not clearly relate to the intensity of staining were considered to have no vascular invasion.
The cell debris from tumors in the drainage bronchus were also stained positive in some cases, so it may be possible to evaluate measurement of CEA from bronchial lavage fluid, if the nonspecific cross-reacting antigen is removed completely.
