But then they turn around and say high CEA numbers prior to surgery is a prognostic indicator of higher chances of recurrence and lower 5 year survivability rates. However a steadily increasing trend does merit attention Locker GY, Hamilton S, Harris J, Jessup JM, Kemeny N, Macdonald JS, Somerfield MR, Hayes DF, Bast RC Jr; ASCO. I have really been stressed out over my last CEA level and can't help but think there could be something brewing with the levels going up from after the surgery but I have to try to keep thinking positive thoughts. All Rights Reserved. Carcinoembryonic Antigen, also called CEA, is a protein that may be elevated in many colorectal cancer patients and is detected in the blood. https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/cea/tab/test/. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. I have had my mammogram done and it is clear, I dont have any more colon so it cant be colon cancer, I had a hysterectomy when I was in my 20s so that rules out ovarian cancer. My oncologist orders my blood work to be done every 3 weeks and always includes the CEA test as well As a result, this test cannot establish a cancer diagnosis on its own and is not used as a general screening tool for cancer. Accessed 4/11/2022. Im tagging a few other members who may also have experience with fluctuating CEA levels. Your increase is very small too, so I would suspect stress might be the issue there. Sekizaki, Tomonori; Yamamoto, Chiho; Nomoto, Hiroshi. Elevated levels of CEA occur when the CEA is higher than 3 ng/mL. Dianne, have you had an appointment with your oncologist since receiving the results of this latest test? I was due for my 3 year colonoscopy. Tumor markers are substances that some cancer cells make and shed into bodily fluids at times. A few simple tools can help manage prostate cancer stress and anxiety that can cause PSA to rise and prostate cancer to become worse. Talked to my CRC surgeon about what is going on. When You Breathe In Your Diaphragm Does What. You may not get an answer on the 19th itself, but hopefully shortly thereafter. Confirmation of the exact benign cause of CA 19-9 elevation has a very important clinical value in that anxiety and unnecessary follow-up tests can be eliminated in patients. I've been dealing with higher than normal CEA for now coming up on 4.5 years. Hello Ginger, Acta Oncol. This must be confirmed , as the CEA test by itself is not specific enough to substantiate a recurrence of a cancer. Usually, people are born with high CEA levels that decrease as they get older. MeSH Thanks for your help. Can CEA levels fluctuate during chemotherapy? My CEA level on 7/11 was 5.1. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) can be higher than the normal range in a blood test for the following reasons: Cancer: It is a tumor marker and raises in the presence of a malignant tumor. On the scale they use, 5 is considered "High". ~Ellen. Everyone is born with high levels of this protein. No but his office called today. They have noted it in my chart. Serum CEA levels fluctuate over time in healthy individuals, and the intraindividual variation has been reported to be about 30% . It can cause you to overeat, overeat and drink, or over-compensate for the stress. It can also be increased during pregnancy. Compared to the median level of 26.8 ng/mL, patients with CEA levels of >69 ng/mL were at a significantly elevated risk for progression. What is a high CEA level for stage 3 colon cancer? CEA elevation; inflammatory response; oxaliplatin. A carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test measures a specific blood glycoprotein called CEA. I just starting to comprehend all this and dont understand all of it but as long as blood levels are good and liver functions are normal. Bookshelf Research evidence suggests that CEA levels can increase in response to chronic and acute stress, primarily caused by restraint behavior or immobilization. @colleenyoung @diannechildress My CEA has been staying between 1.7 and 2.4 since my colon cancer was removed b on 1/16. Your healthcare provider may use a CEA test to guide cancer treatment or to see if treatment is working. Consistent with our finding, there are reports suggesting that stress can increase tumor growth and tumor marker expression [26, 27]. Consistent with our finding, there are reports suggesting that stress can increase tumor growth and tumor marker expression [26, 27]. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. This does help make me feel better. CEA levels can be elevated by several sorts of non-cancerous conditions, but note that colon cancer is not a single monoilithic thing - it includes several distinct types and perhaps uknown distinctions. Sometimes the CEA test is repeated to check that it wasn't just a blip or it might trigger scans in order to find out more. False-positive CEA test results in the range of 5 to 15 ng/mL are common. The anxiety and concern you have should also be conveyed, especially if you have been a patient of this dr for a while. All negative. When I changed to a different lab fro my blood work, my CEA went from .5 to 1.6 (yes, I freaked out); but then I was told that my blood had been tested at a different lab, which tests come out higher. Also, other things going on in the body can influence the CEA results. I'm sorry to hear about the lung mets, Bill. I need to find a way to deal with this issue. I was diagnosed in 2009 but it was only stage 2. What do high inflammatory markers indicate? Are there any risks to the test? This study showed that CEA levels can vary by body mass index, white blood cell count, hemoglobin, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, and glycosylated hemoglobin and that these factors should be adjusted before interpreting CEA levels in clinical practice. A carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test measures CEA, a specific blood protein. None of the lymph nodes were involved. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. I'm planning to stop seeing the oncologist all together and stick with my onc surgeon, gastroenterologist and family doctor because I can't live my life with no answers. Copyright 2000-2022 Cancer Survivors Network. I had 23 lymph nodes removed and all of them were clear, and I also had a CT scan that was good. I did read the article you mentioned above. This includes some antibiotics, antacids, and cholesterol medications. The CA 27.29 blood test can create false positives for a number of different reasons. I've had the same issue with Bayer vs Roche CEA measurements - I wish I had a good charcterization of the differences. Inflammation can affect tumor development and progression in addition to the response to therapy. The results of my CT scan were good. The normal range for CEA in an adult non-smoker is <2.5 ng/ml and for a smoker <5.0 ng/ml. Thank you and I will let you know when I have some news to share. When my CEA went from .5 to .6 I about freaked out. 2014 Jun;12(6):907-13. I hope you get them sorted soon. This test isn't an accurate way to screen for it because many other diseases can cause the levels of this protein to rise . What can cause a false positive CEA? Merry Christmas! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 FAQS Clear - All Rights Reserved Go to the Colorectal Cancer Support Group. Elevated levels are also seen in benign breast disease, cirrhosis, hepatitis, tuberculosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis - and this . The study, which followed 96 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), found that those who felt more stress and anxiety about about their condition also had a higher volume of cancer cells in their blood and higher blood levels of markers for advanced disease. If you have CEA levels this high and you also have symptoms of cancer, it strongly suggests the cancer has not been removed successfully after treatment. My CEA levels were within normal ranges but it turned out I have stage III rectal cancer so it doesnt always match up. Avoid consuming biotin (an ingredient in many multi-vitamins pills) for up to 72 hours prior to the test. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. Had a lymphedectomy(?) If your creatinine level is above normal range . Is it normal for CEA levels to fluctuate? It may not be a good indicator for you, either? My oncologist says that they are taught to only watch CEA when it gets above normal. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/11/2022. Your CEA levels are all low. So what's left? The cancer had not gotten out of the colon area. If you have values that are that high, it doesnt mean you have cancer. The carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test measures the level of CEA in the blood. Different labs may have slightly different references ranges and clinicians may consider higher thresholds depending on the individual circumstances. It is a red flag if the CEA remains elevated after surgery, possibly indicating residual disease, ie, cancer that was not removed. Drink more water? The blood level of this protein disappears or becomes very low after birth. As a stageI, there is a ~10% chance of 5yr recurrence, but as a stageI whose CEA never returned to normal (<3), I've got a ~30% chance of recurrence. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. She also has melanoma and perhaps she can offer some suggestions. At this point I have a 10% chance of being here in three years based on stats. These include cancers of the colon and rectum, prostate, ovary, lung, thyroid, or liver. (I freaked out when my CEA went up to 0.9 - my onc calmed me down. CEA is an antigen (small protein) that is found on the surface of colon, rectal, gastric and other types of cancer cells and high levels of CEA can be detected in the blood of some patients with cancer and the developing fetus. Attaches a vial or test tube to the needle. Similarly, cortisol can be elevated as training continues. Declining levels of testosterone may be a red flag for impaired levels of muscle repair. This causes retention of salt, which increases blood pressure. Up until this surgery was done my CEA levels were in the 3-4 range. This theory is not new, but it's certainly been proven to the point of absurdity. Transient CEA increase at start of oxaliplatin combination therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer. Would you like email updates of new search results? The most frequent cancer which causes an increased CEA is cancer of the colon and rectum. Our findings clearly indicated that immobilization stress results in enhanced serum CEA level whether the stress is acute or chronic. CEA is a type of tumor marker. Therefore, false-positive results can result in unnecessary radiation exposure, costs, and anxiety. Epub 2012 Jan 12. He said all along that polyps typically don't cause CEA elevation. I don't think your CEA's are anything to worry about. And some people with cancer dont have high CEA levels. I continued with FOL-FOX and erbitux until April 5th 2017 when oxilplatin was stopped. Key Takeaways: Tumor markers are substances found in the blood. Cases with CEA 5 ng/mL were majorly in Stage III, whereas those with CEA >5 ng/mL were predominantly in Stage IV. Some forms of CRC are unlikely to be associated with elevated CEA, and also those same types have poor prognosis, however in others types of CRC, elevated CEA does correlate with poorer outcomes and suggests metastitisis to liver or lung (primarily, but others ) . Understandably, any rise in your CEA level can cause a. It's common for people to assume that their hemorrhoids are the cause of painful bowel movements. Hi Diane All my other blood work has come in between 5 to 6. Normal range: < 2.5 ng/ml. That would be a simple first step. However your CEA level goes up and down over time, just like your blood sugar level, blood pressure and heart rate. I have mets to only my bones and I have been on Femara and Xgeva for almost 2 years. Is it easy to get an internship at Microsoft? Confirmation of CEA elevation in this range before initiating imaging studies may be appropriate. It is concluded that a rise in CEA to greater than 8 ng/ml indicates with high degree of certainty relapse or disease progression in colorectal cancer patients. First, I'm not sure that 3 weeks is enough time to wait between tests to see if there is a trend. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. The study, which followed 96 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), found that those who felt more stress and anxiety about about their condition also had a higher volume of cancer cells in their blood and higher blood levels of markers for advanced disease. The blood level of this protein disappears or becomes very low after birth. (CEA is elevated in 19% of smokers and only 3% of the non-smoking healthy population.) I just had my 1st year colonoscopy this morning, following a clean CT scan. A false increase in CEA levels is seen immediately post radio/chemotherapy due to the death of tumor cells and CEA release. I through up and broke out in a rash on my arm and stomach. I have to say I'm not happy about the failure of my CEAs to drop into the normal range (<3.1 on this test). Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Had that done. Research indicates that false-positive results are reported with concentrations as high as 35 ng/mL. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Since my CA 15.3 level was 22 the doctor wanted to retest it. If you have a blood test, you may have mild pain or bruising where your provider inserted the needle. Oxaliplatin has been shown to cause an inflammatory response which appears to be one of the mechanisms of toxicity and high CEA levels have been correlated with increased inflammation. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. The rest was benign. Comes back clear. Although more studies are necessary when it comes to caffeine, there is a chance that this substance can alter blood glucose levels and temporarily increase them. CEA is a blood glycoprotein. Probably not until next week bc my doctor will be out of the office the rest of the week. The oncologist told me that the CEA is the most unreliable tumor marker and many things. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The Onc wasn't worried, but then it's not his test score, so I was, like you, nervous until the Dec. test, when it finally bumped down to 2 again. I was already scheduled to have a small bowel capsule endoscopy. Thanks in advance. Jumped a bit over 5, met to lung started growing (was there at beginning), surgery, back down to 3.7 for 6 month (two tests). In many documents, they state well differentiated tumor cells express a lot of CEA. Yes, CEA can increase due to many non-cancer factors including just being stressed/run-down. Bevacizumab in metastatic colorectal cancer and carcino-embryonic antigen kinetics: case report and review of literature. My doctor just keeps telling me no to worry but the bottom line is there is nothing they can do until they see something on a CT scan. Go to the Colorectal Cancer Support Group. de Andrade DP, Lima JP, Lima AD, Sasse AD, dos Santos LV. As you probably already have researched, increasingly CEA levels can mean many things. It was called FOL-FOX. 2011 Jun;22 Suppl 2:S15-7. The only thing they found was a kink in my intestine which could cause some problems with constipation and stomach pain. You may temporarily stop certain medicines or supplements that increase bleeding, like aspirin. You are just being a normal Cancer patient, with all the anxiety that comes with the diagnosis. 5 months later, I had a bowel blockage due to scar tissue and had more of the small bowel and transverse colon removed. These levels are considered abnormal. You dont need any special preparations for a CEA blood test or a pleural fluid test. During cancer treatment, to see how well treatments like. He also said he's not convinced the CEA spike last year when the polyp with appendicial cancer was found was due to that cancer. CEA does not tell you what is going on, only that something might be going on and might be worth checking out. Reply. Sensitivity of CEA ranged from 17.4 % to 100 %, specificity ranged from 66.1 % to 98.4 %, positive predictive value ranged from 45.8 % to 95.2% and negative predictive value ranged from 74.5 % to 100 %. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. And we don't worry about CEA.). Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Joint pain. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Categories Oncologist. Of course, it may take some time to put all the pieces of the puzzle together. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. This has been going on for the past 2 years. I was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2009. If you want to talk about CEA panic, imagine having to deal with not a few tenths rise but several points of rise. So now I wait another couple of weeks to have my CEA retested. You can return home the same day. Colonoscopy. Search for: People with many types of cancers can have levels that are higher than 3 ng/mL. Consistent with our finding, there are reports suggesting that stress can increase tumor growth and tumor marker expression [26, 27]. 3. At present, CA 125 is most commonly used in the diagnosis of epithelial non-mucinous ovarian . Consistent with our finding, there are reports suggesting that stress can increase tumor growth and tumor marker expression [26, 27]. 16.7. When You Breathe In Your Diaphragm Does What. ASCO 2006 update of recommendations for the use of tumor markers in gastrointestinal cancer. Can stress raise CEA levels? In addition to the CEA coming up, I have an MRI Enterography coming up to add to the marathon testing check box. 8600 Rockville Pike In some patients, the serum CEA level becomes positive in the absence of recurrence. One of the effects it could have on health is a spike in blood sugar levels. Back in 2009, I had stage 3 melanoma with a 2% penetration into one lymph node. Of course CEA can be elevated for entirely non-cancerous reasons.
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