What Causes Elevated CEA Level?

Posted on Mon, 30 Jun 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 30 Jun 2014 Answered on

Tue, 22 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Is a rise in cea level from 3 to 4 concerning from may to XXXXXXX ? This is for my father who had surgery march to remove a colon tumor

Answered by Dr. Pravin Gore (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
yes it is relevant in view of recent colon tumor

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Thanks for the query.

Yes, CEA is a tumor marker and it detects the activity of the tumor.
If your father has undergone colon tumor removal in march and the CEA has risen, then ideally he should undergo a PET-scan to find out if there is any residual or new focus of tumor anywhere in the body. Accordingly treatment can be directed.

Take care. Wish you and your father a good health.
Dr. Pravin Gore

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari