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What Causes Elevated CEA Levels Post Recovery From Colon Cancer?

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Posted on Thu, 9 Jun 2016
Question: I have had colon cancer 1 years ago. in remission now. Doctor is concerned about raised CEA level (27.5). During chemo CEA was between 7-8.5 varied with each test. What may have caused it to rise suddenly. have had 2 colonoscopies, 2 pet scans, ct with contrast, ct without contrast, and endoscopy all showed no cancer.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
He's right to be worried about this possibility of recurrence.

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about us rising CEA levels. Given your past history of cancer if the colon and this rising levee, there is need to be very worried about a possible recurrence of your cancer. This is always a possibility after chemotherapy as there could be cells that were never killed by the medications.

I understand all Tests all failed to identify an active site. I will suggest that we stay on top of this and monitor the CAE levels closely and repeat these exams if the levels stay hi or fail to decrease.

what I will discourage is treating this as a possible false finding. that must be avoided.

I how this helps. I wish you well. thanks for using our services and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (4 hours later)
Thank you for your rapid response.
Am I wrong to say that there are several reasons that cause the CEA to rise. COPD and other breathing disorders as well as second hand smoke and also other infection from bad teeth to gout. The question here is the CEA does not necessarily mean cancer. I have full intention of following doctors instructions but it seams that I've had double tests that show nothing.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
CEA is not cancer and there are many other possible causes

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the follow up.

increases in CEA are not synonymous to cancer as there are many other possible causes of false positive tests like you have mentioned above. This however suggests that we must always keep you in the loop Tomane sure we are not missing on anything. Thie will enable us to act fast and promptly if need arises.

I wish you well and do well to keep me XXXXXXX yes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (8 hours later)
Thank you, you have given me the answer I needed to put my family at ease. All were concerned that the cancer was returning. I will follow up with all required tests. Thank you again for your time and knowledge.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You are welcome!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for your kind words.

Keep me updated and stay close to your physicians for frequent controls and timely intervention if need arises.

I wish you well.
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Chobufo Ditah

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 6321 Questions

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What Causes Elevated CEA Levels Post Recovery From Colon Cancer?

Brief Answer: He's right to be worried about this possibility of recurrence. Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear about us rising CEA levels. Given your past history of cancer if the colon and this rising levee, there is need to be very worried about a possible recurrence of your cancer. This is always a possibility after chemotherapy as there could be cells that were never killed by the medications. I understand all Tests all failed to identify an active site. I will suggest that we stay on top of this and monitor the CAE levels closely and repeat these exams if the levels stay hi or fail to decrease. what I will discourage is treating this as a possible false finding. that must be avoided. I how this helps. I wish you well. thanks for using our services and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.