High blood marker

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I’ am now 5 weeks post op after successful removal of sigmoid colon tumour.Some local lymph nodes were removed with showed cancer cells so stage 3. . Seeing Oncolgist in 2weeks to start potential chemo but blood tests yesterday indicate slightly raised CEA marker and now wants a CT scan to check potential spread, Last CT scan was in July and that was clear, Clearly very worried that the cancer has spread to other organs and surprised it’s happened so quickly after clear scan previously.

Kareno62 over 3 years ago

Hi Macc. There are several things that can cause a slight increase in CEA like an infection for example and it can also vary slightly on a daily basis like your blood pressure however there’s no harm in having a CT scan to be on the safe side. You might find this previous post helpful?

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/bowel-colon-rectum-cancer-forum/f/diagnosis/217639/cea-test/1600954#1600954

Take care

Karen x

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

court over 3 years ago

Hi Macc

Did you get your CEA taken prior or post surgery ?

Around 50% of raised CEA are false positives according to a comprehensive research study ! Particularly since you are post op and the inflammation that’s associated with that !

However it does raise anxiety but you have a very diligent team making sure everything is thoroughly checked out !

My mum’s CEA has risen for a few months at a time and dropped again . Her scans were fine both times . Better to be safe !

It is a relative short time since your scans !

Hope it puts your mind at rest and turns out to be inflammatory reasons !

Take care ,

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

FormerMember over 3 years ago

Oh best wishes to you. Drat the blood tests - they can be so worrying when it’s you although our medical team always treat them clinically as no more than what they are - an indication to take a closer look or have further tests. My husband’s also went up after surgery and appeared to be due to all the disturbances rather than cancer spread. I’m getting tired of our hopes and fears hanging on the numbers, but it’s become a way of life. Try not to worry and just wait for the scan. So often blood tests are false alarms but they do have to be checked out. Congratulations on your successful surgery and all best wishes for what’s next.