Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Does Elevated CEA Level After Surgery For Cancer Indicate?
Question: My dads cea reading in may was 3 but now 4. We are v concerned its risen. He had surgery march and not started chemo yet . He is a heavy smoker. What shud we do ? Request a scan?
Brief Answer:
nothing to worry
Detailed Answer:
though CEA level XXXXXXX to 4, it is still within the normal limit and not of concern. You wrote surgery was done in March. I wonder why chemotherapy was not yet started. Chemotherapy's benefit is maximum only if it is started at the earliest. As time gap increases there might not be benefit. Also all patients do not require chemotherapy especially if they are in early stage.
Instead of concentrating on CEA level, it would be of benefit to the patient if chemotherapy is started and treatment completed. Remember cancer gives only one chance and if the chance is lost, there will not be chances of cure especially in GI cancers. So consult your oncologist and plan therapy
nothing to worry
Detailed Answer:
though CEA level XXXXXXX to 4, it is still within the normal limit and not of concern. You wrote surgery was done in March. I wonder why chemotherapy was not yet started. Chemotherapy's benefit is maximum only if it is started at the earliest. As time gap increases there might not be benefit. Also all patients do not require chemotherapy especially if they are in early stage.
Instead of concentrating on CEA level, it would be of benefit to the patient if chemotherapy is started and treatment completed. Remember cancer gives only one chance and if the chance is lost, there will not be chances of cure especially in GI cancers. So consult your oncologist and plan therapy
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
He did not wNt chemo so it got delayed n
Finally now family have managed to convince him.
He gjven oral
Form to start this week .
He should have it right?
Finally now family have managed to convince him.
He gjven oral
Form to start this week .
He should have it right?
Brief Answer:
oral formulation is as good as IV
Detailed Answer:
yes oral formulation of 5FU is capecitabine. Capecitabine is as good as 5FU and can be used. There are other drugs which are available in injectable forms only; just one injection every three weeks. Please ask your oncologist about that also. Nothing to worry about side effects. They are tolerable and worth taking than taking risk of disease coming back.
Regards
oral formulation is as good as IV
Detailed Answer:
yes oral formulation of 5FU is capecitabine. Capecitabine is as good as 5FU and can be used. There are other drugs which are available in injectable forms only; just one injection every three weeks. Please ask your oncologist about that also. Nothing to worry about side effects. They are tolerable and worth taking than taking risk of disease coming back.
Regards
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
