What Causes Slightly Higher CEA Blood Test Result After Chemo-radiation For Rectal Cancer?

Posted on Mon, 4 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. Monish De (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Nothing to worry

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

After hearing your mum's history since her CEA level is 4, there's no need to worry.

Rectal cancer recurrence occurs when CEA becomes greater than 10

MRI thickening is most likely just scar tissue and not cancer.

Nothing to worry.

Regards,
Dr. Monish De
Oncologist

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