Could Some Thickening Seen In An MRI Scan Be Due To Some Scar Tissue From The Chemotherapy-radiation For Rectal Cancer?

Posted on Mon, 11 Jul 2022

Question: Hi my mum had rectal cancer that went into her lymph nodes. Mum was treated with chemoradiation and had a complete response. Mum finished all treatment about 4 months ago. Mum has had a Sigmoidoscopy since which has shown mum is still clear with everything. Mum has recently had a CEA blood test and it is 4 this is slightly higher than the normal range. Normal range they say is 0-3. I am worried this means mum is not clear of cancer. Can you help me please?

Secondly mum has had a MRI scan which has show some thickening. I am worried it is cancer or could this be scar tissue from the chemoradation? This scan is 9 months after chemoradiation. A CT scan is entirely clear.

Please help me asap as I am worried sick.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
The results of the MRI scan and CEA test are normal, don't worry.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

CEA test is a blood test used to diagnose some types of cancer.

It is true that the normal range of CEA test is less than 3 but the difference of the results in your case is insignificant.

The results should return to normal within a few months.

The thickening showed up in MRI scan are usually from scar tissue.

To conclude, the situation is quite satisfactory so don't worry.

Hope this answers your question. Please let me know if you need further clarification.

Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee