Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
My mother was diagnosed with stage 2B breast cancer (estrogen receptor-positive, progesterone receptor-positive, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive) approximately five years ago, and Letrozole (Femara) has been used since then. During a follow-up, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was detected at 6.15, rising from 3.72 earlier in the year. Colonoscopy, positron emission tomography (PET) scan, and computed tomography (CT) scan results were clear, and other blood levels remained normal. However, CEA has continued to rise and is now 10.85. The doctor has expressed uncertainty about the cause of the increase, leading to significant stress and emotional distress.
Kindly help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I can understand your concern.
As you mentioned, your mother’s carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels have been rising slowly. Colonoscopy and PET scans seven years back were clear, and a computed tomography scan also showed no abnormalities. Since you have indicated that she is asymptomatic, I would like to ask a few questions to gather more information.
Is she experiencing any symptoms?
Does she smoke?
What treatment has she received for breast cancer?
Has she had any bowel problems?
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is rarely elevated in breast cancer, so it is unlikely to be related to her breast cancer. It can be elevated due to other conditions, such as colon, pancreatic, or lung cancer. It may also rise due to smoking or inflammation of the colon, such as diverticulitis or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Providing these details would help me offer a more accurate assessment.
I would be happy to help you if you have any questions.
Thank you.
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