Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
CEA Level High, Smoker, Rheumatoid Arthritis. Cancer?
My mum had a check up last week which involved a blood test . Her CEA level was a little high at 12 so we went back and did another one which later came back at 16. We are going to have all the checks ups necessary to see if there is cancer anywhere but as she is a smoker with Rheumatoid arthritis im wondering if this can cause a high level of 16, should we be worried ?
Sat, 28 Dec 2013
Hi and welcome to HCM,thank you for your query.
Yes,smokinmg can raise CEA markers ut this fginding necessiate further diagnostic tests.It is mainly used as a tumor marker of colorectal carcinoma,but other tumors and some benign condtiitons can be cause of its elevation as well. In every case your mother should do colonoscopy and abdominal ct scan just to ruile out cancer. if this is negative then it may indicate some cirrhosis,pancreatitis and RA too. but I suggest to do these tests to be sure.
Wish you good health. Regards
Yes,smokinmg can raise CEA markers ut this fginding necessiate further diagnostic tests.It is mainly used as a tumor marker of colorectal carcinoma,but other tumors and some benign condtiitons can be cause of its elevation as well. In every case your mother should do colonoscopy and abdominal ct scan just to ruile out cancer. if this is negative then it may indicate some cirrhosis,pancreatitis and RA too. but I suggest to do these tests to be sure.
Wish you good health. Regards
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Rheumatoid arthritis
Loading Online Doctors....