HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

How Long Do CEA Levels Take To Normalise Post Colon Cancer Surgery?

default
Posted on Thu, 19 May 2016
Question: Hi
how long it takes for CEA Level back to normal after colon cancer surgery? After 2 chemotherapy the CEA level is 38 Is that normal ? Also there is a lymph nodes swollen in the neck area (cervical lymph nodes)
Biopsy to follow

doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (14 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
See next

Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome to HCM.

CEA normalization depends on kidney function and the initial value of CEA.

Generally, the value should decline from the preoperative level by approximately one half every five days.

38 is bit higher value but more important is the trend of decrease and it is important that there is no increase in postoperative period. PET scan may give false positive results and these nodes don't necessarily need to mean recurrence.

Also, colon cancer rarely metastases to cervical lymph nodes. However, biopsy should be done.

Wish you good health.
Regards
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 13888 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
How Long Do CEA Levels Take To Normalise Post Colon Cancer Surgery?

Brief Answer: See next Detailed Answer: Hi and welcome to HCM. CEA normalization depends on kidney function and the initial value of CEA. Generally, the value should decline from the preoperative level by approximately one half every five days. 38 is bit higher value but more important is the trend of decrease and it is important that there is no increase in postoperative period. PET scan may give false positive results and these nodes don't necessarily need to mean recurrence. Also, colon cancer rarely metastases to cervical lymph nodes. However, biopsy should be done. Wish you good health. Regards