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CEA Didn't Register

GoBucks
GoBucks CSN Member Posts: 28
in Colorectal Cancer #1
My Onc told me my CEA was really low even when I had tumors. How does this impact treatment, does it make a difference? April
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Comments

  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 CSN Member Posts: 6,744 Member
    #2
    Yup
    Sometimes the CEA doesn't even register when you have colorectal cancer. It's not always a marker in people even having cancer. A lot of doctor's don't rely on it because it can fluctuate so much due to many circumstances and on the other side, you could have cancer and it doesn't register at all. Best thing to do is get regular colonoscopy and blood work. Keep asking away. Only way to get info is to ask. Glad you are here so WE can help you. Oh about treatment, nope it doesn't make a difference, CEA is not a determining factor in what treatment you get. Colorectal cancer is just that and they treat it the same no matter what the number is.

    Kim
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  • tanstaafl
    tanstaafl CSN Member Posts: 1,312 Member
    #3
    oops, double entry
    .
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  • tanstaafl
    tanstaafl CSN Member Posts: 1,312 Member
    #4
    bloodwork
    There are probably other specific biomarkers that will be high. The question is whether your physician knows any others, is willing, and whether they are commonly available. Otherwise you have to dig them out. Some things that I got for my wife before surgery or have watched since, include CEA, CA19-9, CA125, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactase dehydrogenase (LDH) and while on 5FU chemo, MCV. The first, and perhaps only, measurement is often the most important one that may identify serious molecular issues (e.g. CA19-9, CA125) or status (ALP, LDH).
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  • janderson1964
    janderson1964 CSN Member Posts: 2,215 Member
    #5
    CEA doesn't work for me.
    CEA doesn't work for me. Mine has alway been around 1.0 even when I have had tumors in my liver. There is a new test called Onko-Sure that was approved by the FDA in 2010 that is supposed to be more accurate. I am seeing a new oncologist today and will see what he says about it.
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