Increased tumour markers, including CYFRA211, SCCAg, NSE, ProGRP and CEA, were detected before surgery in 18.8% (6/32), 0.0% (0/26), 34.4% (11/32), 33.3% (8/24) and 39.3% (11/28) of our patients, respectively. This evidence concerns the gene GRP and neoplasm.