My father was detected for cancer of colon in March 2010. Surgery was carried out and biopsy revealed stage III (T3 N2 Mx). CT Scan and Lung X Ray stated that cancer had not spread to the Liver, pancreas, spleen, lungs.Pre - Surgery CEA level was 20. Post operative Chemotherapy was carried out detailed as under
HiT hanks for askingBased on your query my opinion is1. Casino embryonic antigen/ CEA is a protein which is normally detected in fetal gut tissue.2. Its levels decrease and very low levels are detected after birth.3. CEA levels can be elevated in both benign and malignant diseases, so it is not used for screening of colorectal cancer. 4. Its use is limited to determining the prognosis and monitoring the response of tumor to therapy.5. In your fathers' case the levels started to fall during treatment which is a good sign suggesting of response to therapy.6. However, rising levels following treatment is quite alarming, indicates recurrence or possibility of metastasis which needs to be further investigated.7. If recurrence or metastasis is not found then other benign causes like cirrhosis/ peptic ulcer/ hepatitis/ colitis needs to be looked for Hope this helpsRegards