Sir/ Mam,
My mom had been diagnosed with 3A Colon cancer in 2021. She had gone surgery followed by 12 rounds of Adjuvdnt chemotherapy ( 5FU+ Oxaliplatin). Since last 2 follow-ups, her CEA value has been rising.in Feb-23, CEA was 9.85, and the PET scan was okay.In May-23, CEA vslue 16.20.
The doctor is again asking for a repeat of Pet-Scan.
Kindly advise.
Regards,
Answers (2)
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CEA will be elevated in colon cancer and also in other conditions, but for mother it is a caution because of previous history. After 1 year completed treatment a colonoscopy is recommended. Get an colonoscopy done. If it’s fine but still CEA elevated then imagining is required.
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CEA can rise due inflammatory causes also so may not be always a recurrence , endoscopy (colonoscopy) should be performed to rule out any local recurrence if it is indicated based on the patient’s post surgical status , that can also help us rule out any other cause of rise in CEA and can take biopsy from suspicious site .
If that too is negative - keep on follow up and continue three monthly CEA ,6 monthly imaging (CE CT abdomen and pelvis) will be enough , no need of PET CT until it’s indicated.
Since PET has been done now , no other imaging is required now . Endoscopy should be considered as mentioned above . If no imaging is done , consider colonoscopy followed by can consider CE CT scan , or PET CT . Every time when CEA value increases it’s better to get investigated as we have to rule out a recurrence.
For any further advise please share your post operative reports and initial imaging as well as LAST PET CT report .
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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