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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Conditions Elevate The Carcinoembryonic Antigen Levels In Breast Cancer Patient?

I was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer in Oct 2013. I am BRCA2+ and had a bilateral mastectomy in Dec 2013 followed by BSO in May 2014. My Oncologist runs markers every 3 months, monitoring me for BRCA related issues more than my breast cancer. My CEA rate increased from 2.9 to 3.9 in the last 3 months. I did not have a cold at the time of the last blood draw. We will wait and run the CEA again in 3 months. All other markers were stable, no increase. What other conditions could cause the increase?
Mon, 13 Apr 2020
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Dear ma'am, Hi.

Carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) is a protein normally found in very low levels in the blood of adults.

The CEA blood level may be increased in certain types of cancer and non-cancerous (benign) conditions.

Apart from colorectal cancer, its level is increased in other cancers including that of breast, lung, pancreas, stomach, liver, and ovaries.

Non-cancerous conditions include peptic ulcer, ulcerative colitis, rectal polyps, emphysema, pancreatitis or cholecystitis and cigarette smoking.


After treatment, a return to a normal CEA level that had been elevated usually means that the cancer has responded to treatment.

A CEA level that rises steadily after treatment is complete often means that the cancer has come back (recurred).

Hope I have answered your query.
Take care and give your valuable feedback.
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What Conditions Elevate The Carcinoembryonic Antigen Levels In Breast Cancer Patient?

Dear ma am, Hi. Carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) is a protein normally found in very low levels in the blood of adults. The CEA blood level may be increased in certain types of cancer and non-cancerous (benign) conditions. Apart from colorectal cancer, its level is increased in other cancers including that of breast, lung, pancreas, stomach, liver, and ovaries. Non-cancerous conditions include peptic ulcer, ulcerative colitis, rectal polyps, emphysema, pancreatitis or cholecystitis and cigarette smoking. After treatment, a return to a normal CEA level that had been elevated usually means that the cancer has responded to treatment. A CEA level that rises steadily after treatment is complete often means that the cancer has come back (recurred). Hope I have answered your query. Take care and give your valuable feedback.