What Does Raised CEA Value And Lower Quadrant Pain Indicate?

Posted on Mon, 5 May 2014

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

Mon, 5 May 2014 Answered on

Mon, 26 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Im having a ct (abdominal and pelvic) on Wed.I had a negative colonoscopy and neg.ultrasounds of abdomen and intravaginal as well. My CEA was 2.9....had a colon cancer in situ 14 years ago...removed..no treatment.I am afraid...I have no prior CEA for comparison.....if all my tests were negative..what are they looking for? If I had a recurrence wouldn't my bllod tests show more? Or enzymes high? Only CEA....the only symptoms I have are some lower left quadrant pains(atrophied ovary)..maybe diverticulosis.Is my MD just being cautious? Thank you

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (23 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It is necessary due to mildly raised CEA.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXX
Thanks for writing to HCM

Normal CEA concentration in apparently healthy individual is <2.5 ng/mL.
You have mildly raised CEA values,so thorough investigations was necessary in your case.
This is also important due to past history of colon cancer and due to your age.
CEA is useful in monitoring colorectal and other cancers.

You shouldn't worry at all.
You have underwent all the investigations necessary to exclude colon cancer.All findings are normal and you are perfectly fine.

For left quadrant pain,you can take broad spectrum antibiotics and antispasmodics empirically.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar