CEA Marker

My husband had a tumor removed from his colon on March 15, 2007.  The surgeon took the tumor, which was located close to the appendix, as well as 11 lymph nodes and the appendix.  The tumor was approximately 1" with the malignancy being 1/2".  It had not broken through the wall of the colon and all other tissue was clear including lymph nodes.  The oncologist felt 97% certain they had gotten "it all" and recommended no chemo or radiation.  

He just went in for a routine physical and his blood workup came back with a 3.7 CEA marker.  He was scheduled for a follow up colonoscopy in four days, but the nurse told him this was an indication the cancer had returned.  

What is the accuracy of the CEA marker?  

Thank you.

[Denise L. Johnson, M.D.]

The value is not indicative of cancer return.  Would proceed with staging studies and a repeat CEA