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Does Increase In CEA Indicate Recurrent Colon Cancer?

Posted on Wed, 13 Aug 2014

Question: With a person who had colon cancer surgery in march, does a cea rise indicate a recurrence or mets?

Readings were - may3, XXXXXXX 4 and july 6. We are v concerned .

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Patient need PET scan.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing to HCM

CEA level is used as a prognostic indicator and it should return to baseline after resection. However,test is not perfect.The sensitivity to detect relapse is between 58 to 89 percent and the specificity is between 75 to 98 percent.

We are more concerned about specificity.As we can see,it is 75 to 98 percent specific,so there is always the chance that the elevation is not related to recurrence.
It may be due to some other reasons.

Patient need further investigation PET scan to confirm recurrence.

You should consult your treating doctor.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

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

Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (9 minutes later)

But in a normal person it should not rise right?my dad is a smoker but this should not make it rise should it. I know for smokers it can be up to 5. But here its gone from 3 to 6 in three months.

Could this mean mets? Ie cancer spread

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please find detail answer below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing back

Yes,CEA rise is such short period is not a good indicator even if he is a smoker.

He need proper work up for remaining tumour inside the body.PET scan is ideal in this case for detection of left out tumour part.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

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

Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (22 minutes later)

But does a steady rise mean cells/ tumor?

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (16 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please find detail answer below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing back

Steady rise may be due to left out tumour because 100 % resection of tumour is not always possible.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

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

Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (53 minutes later)

What would happen if bit tumor left out?

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please find detail answer below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing back

Left out tumour part is generally treated by chemotherapy/radiotherpay.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

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