Question Title: CEA blood test

Forum: The Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Forum
Topic: Colon Cancer

Topic Area: Colon Cancer
Hello Again, My Mom just had a CEA blood test what is the level 13.3 mean, is this very high? we know we have to get a cat scan for tumor growth, My question is this, does the high level indicate a spread to other areas or just tumor growth? last cat scan in January showed no spread. her type is reccurent colon cancer
can waiting a week for a Cat scan be dangerous at this point? Our oncologist is suggesting Thailomide because Mom will not go through Chemo again. All we want to know is what could we expect? thank you for your attention, it is very appreciated attention that you people give.

Sincerely,Dorothy

Dear Dorothy,

Nice to hear from you again. A CEA of 13.3 is high. CEA is not a good test to screen for colon cancer in the general population, however, it has been used to look for post-operative recurrence or metastases. An elevation compared to pre-operative CEA levels has been helpful in this regard. Although it would be logical to assume that the higher the CEA level the larger the tumor recurrence or the presence of tumor at distant sites, there is no clear evidence that this is indeed the case. Waiting a week for the CT scan to be performed is not dangerous. I hope you find this information helpful. Good luck to your mother.

This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.

If you would like to be seen at our institution please call 1-800-653-6568, our Referring Physicians’ Office and make an appointment to see Dr. Muszkat, one of our experts in Gastroenterology.

HFHSM.D.-ym
*Keywords: colon cancer, CEA

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