What can make CEA go up?

What can make CEA go up?

A high level of CEA can be a sign of certain types of cancers. These include cancers of the colon and rectum, prostate, ovary, lung, thyroid, or liver. High CEA levels may also be a sign of some noncancerous conditions, such as cirrhosis, noncancerous breast disease, and emphysema.

What does it mean when your CEA level is high?

A CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) test measures the level of CEA in your blood or other body fluids. High levels can be a sign of cancer. The test is most often used to see if cancer treatment is effective and whether cancer has spread. Learn more.

What causes the CEA level to rise during chemo?

Also, sometimes the CEA can temporarily rise while cancer cells are being killed from chemo. I believe this is called cell apoptosis (sp?). Apparently, when the cancer cell dies, it gives off CEA into the bloodstream, which temporarily makes the measured CEA level rise.

When does CEA rise in colorectal cancer patients?

An initial rise in CEA level during effective chemotherapy in. colorectal cancer patients may not always indicate progression of. disease but may be a transient CEA surge in patients responding. to chemotherapy.

What are the specificities of CEA for cancer?

The specificities of the CEA for the cancers of the colon and rectum were at 76.98% with a reference value of 5 ng/ml and 86% with a reference value of 10 ng/ml [ 3 ]. Since there are a number of non-malignant etiologies of elevated CEA level, its use as a screening tool for cancers is not encouraged.

What can cause an Elevated CEA level?

While high CEA levels can indicate that cancer is present, they can also point to other medical conditions. Kidney failure, inflammatory bowel disease, cirrhosis of the liver, pancreatitis, and peptic ulcer disease are all known to cause elevated CEA levels.

Does smoking cause Elevated CEA level?

CEA levels also may be mildly elevated in patients with pancreatitis and in adults with colonic polyps. Smoking may contribute to the increased CEA levels seen in patients with alcoholic liver disease and pancreatitis.

What are diseases other than cancer produce increased CEA levels?

But high levels of CEA do not always mean you have cancer. These other conditions can also increase levels: Breast cysts; Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is a breathing disorder

What is considered a high CEA level?

Levels of CEA higher than 20 ng/mL are considered very high. 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. CEA is usually elevated, but less than 5 ng/mL in people who smoke.