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Worried about rising CEA levels
I was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2009. At that time they removed 1/3 of my colon. We did blood screening through the Mayo clinic and they came back that I had a predisposition for polyposis. The cancer had not gotten out of the colon area. Over the next 7 years I was having regular colonoscopies and the doctor removed polyps every time. He recommended that I have the reminder of my colon removed and attache the small intestine to the rectum. That surgery was done January 2016. Up until this surgery was done my CEA levels were in the 3-4 range. This past April I was in to my oncologist for my check-up and my level has increased to 6.1. We redid the test again in 6 weeks which was yesterday and they have increased by 0.3 to 6.4. I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem? I have had my mammogram done and it is clear, I don't have any more colon so it can't be colon cancer, I had a hysterectomy when I was in my 20's so that rules out ovarian cancer. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
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I was never diagnostic with cancer, but my S CEA level is hihg. I was beeing investigated due to family reason- too many cancer in our family. Last three years measurements: 8, 11, 15, and now after two months 15,5, all other parameters are now ok. Colonoscopy, gastroscopy, X-ray lung, ok, no pain. Now I should go for CT of the belly and mamography. If everything ok, than I am heslthy person with abnormal high parametr of S CEA. Do you have somebody experince with such as result? I only want be healthy and not beeing afraid. Thank you very much for answer.
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1 ReactionHi @lenka, I can imagine that you're afraid. Having abnormal lab results can be scary. High CEA levels can be caused by other non-cancer conditions, such as
These can include:
- infection
- cirrhosis or other liver condition
- chronic smoking
- inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or other gastrointestinal condition
- non-cancerous breast disease
It sounds like your health care team is investigating all possibilities. That's good.
Thank you very much for your answer. I know, it can ne inflamation as well. I have never smoked and I almost do not drink alcohol I do a lot of sport eat healthy food. My only trouble is, that I can not go for toalette regularly, just one it three days. Have a nice day.
@lenka I have perfect blood work. My CEA 2.2 goes up and from from 1.7 to 2.4 .. I was diagnosed with Cecum cancer an Follicular lymphoma. I don't think it can really be an indicator all the time? I been getting my blood work every 6 months for almost 3 yrs now. It always seem to be the same. Once a year now I get a CT scan. Next week is my one year check up. We shall see what results I get this time? I can report back and let you know.
@diannechildress Just checking to see how your feeling and if you have anything new you heard about your CEA?
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3 ReactionsDiagnosed with colon cancer 3 years ago. Stage 2c. FLOX chemo for 6months. Totally clean since.
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2 ReactionsHowever. Always a CEA of
I was diagnosed almost three years ago with stage 2c colon cancer. I had the surgery, and everything has been perfect. All clear. My last several blood tests have had my CEA at
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1 Reaction@bambi0127 I moved your message to the discussion your were already taking part in about CEA levels. It looks like your message was cut off. What were your CEA levels for the last several blood tests?
Thank you very much for moving my message. Last three years were my S CEA levels: 8, 11, 15 and now two months after 15,5. It is only one marker. Gastroscopy and colonocsopy is ok. Now in November I go for CT belly and mamography. It was told me, it can be inflammation or I have my level high all my life and it is neither cancer nor inflammation but some defect of proteins. I was serching wheather has somebody else similar experiences. I am worried and I would like to know that everything is ok. I have troubles with pain in some muscles and with exclusion. Sorry for beeing so long
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