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