Brief Answer:
CEA not enough , needs further workup to confirm

Detailed Answer:
thank you for asking
i can see you being worried about the CEA levels from the frequency of the question you have asked. let me explain to the best of my abalities
The carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test measures the amount of this protein that may appear in the blood of some people who have certain kinds of cancers, especially cancer of the large intestine (colon and rectal cancer). It may also be present in people with cancer of the pancreas, breast, ovary, or lung.

CEA is normally produced during the development of a fetus. The production of CEA stops before birth, and it usually is not present in the blood of healthy adults.
Now i want you to know that In healthy people the level of CEA is blood (normal range) is less than 5 ng/ml.The normal range for CEA in an adult non-smoker is <2.5 ng/ml and for a smoker <5.0 ng/m.and values higher than this are significant for any malignancy or recurrence. that is why frequent followups say every 3 months is advised. the values can vary depending on some normal bowel habits like smoking etc can confound the results. like values can be high but there might not be recurrence.and that is why CEA must be followed by more specific tests like sttol DNA screening, fecal immunochemical test, proctoscopies and colonoscopies etc,FSIG, DCBE etc,
i also want you to know that Less than 25% of patients with disease confined to the colon have an elevated CEA level. Sensitivity increases with advancing tumour stage. However, poorly differentiated tumours are less likely to produce CEA.
CEA values are increased in approximately 50% of patients with lymph node disease. Values are elevated in 75% of patients with distant metastasis
in nut shell CEA alone is nothing significant unless beyond range and to be confirmed by some more specific tests also normal range CEA might be a malignancy. it is not a reliable entity . it is just valid for progniostic purposes.
i hope it helps. get to your gastroenterologist and let them take care of your queries further and manage accordingly. dont forget to close the discussion please,
May the odds be ever in your favor.
Regards
S Khan

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Brief Answer:
No worries

Detailed Answer:
thank you for the complement Miss XXXXXXX
please get to a gastroenterologist to correlate this CEA value for you. it does not seem significantly increased. it is still in normal range for recurrence. when the value exceeds 20 then it is the matter of worrisome. above 5 is abnormal but 20 plus is worrisome.
all you need is keep calm and stay in touch with your gastroenterologist for further guidance.
My prayers will be with you.
Assalam O Alaekum

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Brief Answer:
test value abnormal.needs conformation

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking
Progression of levels from 3 to 6 in two months indicate recurrences and need to be confirmed with more specific tests we already talked About.the upper limit of normal for smokers is 5 and non smokers is 2.5. Considering that range you are out of it.and it needs to be sorted out whether it is actual rrecurrence or test been confounded by some factors like smoking or lab errors. It needs a complete clinical correlation and a GI oncologist for further assessment and management.please consult your doctor and let them decide what is best for you.
Regards
Khan

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Brief Answer:
mets not necessary

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking
As i said recurrences means resurfacing the cancer metastasis is not necessary. Usually metastasis comes up with larger cea values and a atypical ones don't even show up on cea.that I'd why I said again and again that cea is nothing alone. A complete clinical correlation will make the image clearer.
Please stop worrying. You will be fine Insh a Allah. Just get to your doctor for further work up.
alaekumAssalam

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Brief Answer:
Need work up to confirm

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking
As i said they may be high but may not be high that totally depends and is not a diagnostic entity for that. Level of 6 is just the indicator of recurrence not the malignancy and metastasis. That needs a complete TNM scoring and a malignancy should be stage 3 b or 4 terminal to get metastasis to lungs and liver.please get to a gastroenterology facility and a little work up wouldsooth the nerves of whether it is innocuous, confounded, malignant recurrence or metastasis.cea is not enough to answer all that .It is just a signal. To look into the matter deep down with more specific work up.you are wasting time and getting worried for nothing when a simple visit could clear the cloudy judgement the and suspicions.
Take care.

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Brief Answer:
Yes you are

Detailed Answer:
Sorry for the late reply miss XXXXXXX
Let's wait for the Monday's appointment then. Yes you are worrying more than needed.i can understand that. Let's hope for the best.may the odds be ever in your favour.
Amen XXXXXXX

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