CEA 625 and no cancer signs

Ferrariace
Ferrariace Member Posts: 5
in Colorectal Cancer #1

Dear All,

My father underwent a color cancer surgery in Apr 2013 and post that he had been cancer free. We also came to know then that he has liver cirrhosis and hence his CEA levels has been high always, in range of 50-70 for last three year.

Suddenly  in last week of Jan, his bilirubin level just shoot up (cause of cirrhosis issue) along with CEA going to 625. PET scan and Colonoscopy does not show any indication of cancer though.

My question is - is it possible to have CEA this high and no cancer? Any help will be much appreciated.

Thanking you for your support.

 

Comments

  • beaumontdave
    beaumontdave Member Posts: 1,289 Member
    #2
    I don't think CEA can be a

    I don't think CEA can be a reliable indicator for your dad. Hold to the other tests and the PET scan, which even if something lit up, isn't a sure thing either...............................Dave

  • Ferrariace
    Ferrariace Member Posts: 5
    #3
    beaumontdave said:

    I don't think CEA can be a

    I don't think CEA can be a reliable indicator for your dad. Hold to the other tests and the PET scan, which even if something lit up, isn't a sure thing either...............................Dave

    Thanks Dave.
    I'm just hoping

    Thanks Dave.

    I'm just hoping it's not a cancer again. 

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,804 Member
    #4
    Sorry to welcome you here

    Its not the forum folks rush to join. 

    CEA can be all over the place for some people. 625 is a very high number though, and quite a jump from below 100.

    PET Scans are pretty reliable, from what I've read. 

    His other health issues may very well be causing the CEA rise. 

    I'm sure he is being watched closely. 

    My thoughts are with you and your father. 

    Sue - Trubrit

  • UncleBuddy
    UncleBuddy Member Posts: 1,019 Member
    #5
    CEA

    The CEA is very reliable with my brother, but I've seen on here people who can't rely on it because it's not accurate for them. I don't know if maybe the surgery itself could affect the CEA? I'd ask his doctors. Also, to ease your fears, maybe have the doctor check other areas of the body to be sure. Did they check the lungs, too? I'm not sure how they work these scans, but it's more common for mets to spread to the lungs and liver, so checking that out may ease your fears. Let us know how it goes.

    Lin

  • JanJan63
    JanJan63 Member Posts: 2,478 Member
    #6
    I have 3 small lung mets and

    I have 3 small lung mets and my CEA is .8.

  • Ferrariace
    Ferrariace Member Posts: 5
    #7
    JanJan63 said:

    I have 3 small lung mets and

    I have 3 small lung mets and my CEA is .8.

    Surprised to hear that... CEA

    Surprised to hear that... CEA within range and still 3 mets... 

     

    Take care... Hope all gets well soon...

  • Ferrariace
    Ferrariace Member Posts: 5
    #8
    UncleBuddy said:

    CEA

    The CEA is very reliable with my brother, but I've seen on here people who can't rely on it because it's not accurate for them. I don't know if maybe the surgery itself could affect the CEA? I'd ask his doctors. Also, to ease your fears, maybe have the doctor check other areas of the body to be sure. Did they check the lungs, too? I'm not sure how they work these scans, but it's more common for mets to spread to the lungs and liver, so checking that out may ease your fears. Let us know how it goes.

    Lin

    Doctors did a PET scan which

    Doctors did a PET scan which was a full body scan and it came clear. Also, Colonoscopy was done to ensure colon area is clear too. 

    Not sure if there is anything specific to check lungs and liver areas. We have an appointment with Doctor tomorrow. I will surely ask him about this. Thanks for sharing.

  • Ferrariace
    Ferrariace Member Posts: 5
    #9
    Trubrit said:

    Sorry to welcome you here

    Its not the forum folks rush to join. 

    CEA can be all over the place for some people. 625 is a very high number though, and quite a jump from below 100.

    PET Scans are pretty reliable, from what I've read. 

    His other health issues may very well be causing the CEA rise. 

    I'm sure he is being watched closely. 

    My thoughts are with you and your father. 

    Sue - Trubrit

    We have an appointment with

    We have an appointment with liver specialist tomorrow. Will get to know more details. Hoping for the best.

    Thanks for your support.

  • beaumontdave
    beaumontdave Member Posts: 1,289 Member
    #10
    Ferrariace said:

    Doctors did a PET scan which

    Doctors did a PET scan which was a full body scan and it came clear. Also, Colonoscopy was done to ensure colon area is clear too. 

    Not sure if there is anything specific to check lungs and liver areas. We have an appointment with Doctor tomorrow. I will surely ask him about this. Thanks for sharing.

    Glad your dad got the tests

    Glad your dad got the tests and got an all clear, hope that puts you a bit more at ease............................Dave

  • Phil64
    Phil64 Member Posts: 838 Member
    #11
    My oncologist told me that he

    My oncologist told me that he has had cases where CEA was continuously high and they couldn't figure it out...  No cancer was ever found.

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