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Suggest Treatment For Abnormal Blood Test Results, High Cholesterol And Hand Tremors
Question: I have some abnormal blood test results. I am a 75-year-old retired nurse. I consider myself very healthy.
I have HTN, managed with Cozaar. High cholesterol - no treatment - much lower since deliberate 30-pound weight loss. I take baby aspirin, fish oil, calcium with D, multivit, magnesium, levothyroxine for hypothyroidism, two antidepressants (Wellbutrin and Lexapro), Clonazepam 0.25 bid and, recently, Inderal 10 mgm for hand tremors. I saw a Neurologist for the hand tremors and had a DAT Scan which ruled out Parkinson's and thus I apparently have essential tremors. However, she did blood tests as well and these are the results I'm concerned about. ESR 27, ANA 320 (DNA ok), CEA 4.1 I am no longer a smoker (one year, but light smoker several years before). The Doctor's plan is to repeat the blood tests 4 weeks from the first tests, and, if trending up, to do a PET Scan. And she has ordered me to stop dieting. My question is how likely is it that I will turn out to have cancer? My family (siblings) is suddenly falling apart and I am the family nurse. I also have four children and eleven grandchildren and am a widow. I am looking for reassurance here. What do you think the chances are of this turning out to be something serious?
With respectful thanks,
XXXX
I have HTN, managed with Cozaar. High cholesterol - no treatment - much lower since deliberate 30-pound weight loss. I take baby aspirin, fish oil, calcium with D, multivit, magnesium, levothyroxine for hypothyroidism, two antidepressants (Wellbutrin and Lexapro), Clonazepam 0.25 bid and, recently, Inderal 10 mgm for hand tremors. I saw a Neurologist for the hand tremors and had a DAT Scan which ruled out Parkinson's and thus I apparently have essential tremors. However, she did blood tests as well and these are the results I'm concerned about. ESR 27, ANA 320 (DNA ok), CEA 4.1 I am no longer a smoker (one year, but light smoker several years before). The Doctor's plan is to repeat the blood tests 4 weeks from the first tests, and, if trending up, to do a PET Scan. And she has ordered me to stop dieting. My question is how likely is it that I will turn out to have cancer? My family (siblings) is suddenly falling apart and I am the family nurse. I also have four children and eleven grandchildren and am a widow. I am looking for reassurance here. What do you think the chances are of this turning out to be something serious?
With respectful thanks,
XXXX
Brief Answer:
Most likely it is not a serious condition.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX
Most likely it is not a serious condition.
You need proper evaluation and further investigations.
Main concern is elevated ANA.It may be increased in many diseases like autoimmune disease,cancer etc.It is important to know about joint pain.ESR is mildly raised.
CEA level is within normal limit.
PET is done in ultimate cases.Prior to this patient can have chest X-ray(PA),ultrasound of abdomen,CT scan etc.
You shouldn't loose your weight drastically.Elevated cholesterol can be managed by diet,life style changes.Medicines like statins should be taken if cholesterol level is persistently elevated.
You should take your other medicines regularly.
You don't worry at all.Most likely you have benign disease.You should go for further evaluation.
Get well soon.
Hope i have answered your query.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
Most likely it is not a serious condition.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX
Most likely it is not a serious condition.
You need proper evaluation and further investigations.
Main concern is elevated ANA.It may be increased in many diseases like autoimmune disease,cancer etc.It is important to know about joint pain.ESR is mildly raised.
CEA level is within normal limit.
PET is done in ultimate cases.Prior to this patient can have chest X-ray(PA),ultrasound of abdomen,CT scan etc.
You shouldn't loose your weight drastically.Elevated cholesterol can be managed by diet,life style changes.Medicines like statins should be taken if cholesterol level is persistently elevated.
You should take your other medicines regularly.
You don't worry at all.Most likely you have benign disease.You should go for further evaluation.
Get well soon.
Hope i have answered your query.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks so much for quick response. I was surprised to see that you said CEA is normal. What do you consider the normal CEA range? Also, what is the normal ANA range? Do you think the picture is more autoimmune than cancer?
Respectfully,
XXXX
Respectfully,
XXXX
Brief Answer:
Please find detail answer below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX
It is difficult to say about autoimmune etiology without proper clinical evaluation.
Normal level of CEA is less than 5 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) or less than 5 micrograms per liter (mcg/L).Reference range of CEA varies with lab to lab.
Your value is 4.1.
ANA is called positive if it is > 1: 40 dilution.
Most likely you are not suffering from cancer.You need further evaluation.
Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
Please find detail answer below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX
It is difficult to say about autoimmune etiology without proper clinical evaluation.
Normal level of CEA is less than 5 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) or less than 5 micrograms per liter (mcg/L).Reference range of CEA varies with lab to lab.
Your value is 4.1.
ANA is called positive if it is > 1: 40 dilution.
Most likely you are not suffering from cancer.You need further evaluation.
Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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