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High CEA result - next step

	Asked by dwpyle (Female; 83; Colon cancer approx. 1987 - 1988, removal of section of colon, no recurrence. Stroke approx 2003. Mid level dementia. Broken hip April 2009, surgery successful but limited mobility. ) on Thu 09, Jul 2009 11:23am Priced at $39.00
	Patient is my mother. While in a nursing home recovering from a broken wrist and pelvis she fell again and broke her hip. While in the hospital she basically stopped eating and was put on a feeding tube. After release from hospital she reentered nursing home, still on feeding tube. She has recently started eating again, but not a full diet. Nursing home ordered a full battery of labs and her CEA came back at 3.5. According to my research I understand that CEA is not a screening test for cancer, and other factors may be causing an elevated level, and that 3.5 may not even be an elevated level; but, considering her history of colon cancer - what should be done next? The nursing home wants to know if I want Mom to see an oncologist? Is this called for at this point? Should other tests be done first? Chances of a false positive? Worried and confused. Thanks.
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	Answer by Dr Bobby V, MD on Thu 09, Jul 2009 12:11pm: Hi, Your mother is suffering from several ailments, and does need specialized medical care. Please consult a good geriatrist or internist. An evaluation for osteoporosis using a DEXA scan may be a reasonable idea. Intravenous Zoledronic acid may be useful for her. Her CEA level of 3.5 is perhaps not high enough to suspect cancer recurrence, especially because there are no other specific intestinal or abdominal symptoms. It is uncommon for colon cancer to recur 22 years after successful therapy. However, an oncologist review for a regular check is OK. After a thorough physical examination, the oncologist may order some additional tests if required. All the best, and God Bless!
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	Comments: Comment by SSS on Tue 20, Jul 2010 01:15am: I am 35 years old.4 months back when i did normal blood checkup, my CEA level reported 5.6. For follw-up I did one more test last week at diffrent clinic and found CEA 7.6. I am very active and i dont have any problem in appedite and bowl system.Any expert can advise me further. I am quit confused on this. Am i need to go for further test or Can i wait and do some more test after some time. Thanks in advance for your kind advise

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High CEA result - next step

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