HomeAnswersPulmonology (Asthma Doctors)carcinoembryonic antigenMy mother has a mass in the left mid lung of 5.3 x 4.5 cm, and her CEA result is 897. Why?

Does a mass in the left mid lung of 5.3 x 4.5 cm and a CEA result of 897 confirm lung cancer?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Preetha. J

Published At December 2, 2021
Reviewed AtJuly 18, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My mother is easily getting tired. I want to inquire and evaluate the x-ray result and laboratory report of my mother. Her x-ray shows that she had a mass in the left mid lung measuring 2.09 x 1.77 inch. Her CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) result is 897 was the latest. She was previously diagnosed with cervical cancer and had radiation, chemotherapy, and other medication for cancer.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com. Thank you for the query. I can understand your concern. According to your statement, your mother has recently done a CXR (chest x-ray) P/A (posteroanterior) view. Her x-ray film (attachment removed to protect patient identity) has shown a mass in the left mid lung, lung nodules on the right lower lung, and pneumonia on the right lower lung. Her CEA is 897.30 ng/ml, which is very higher than normal. Levels of Carcinoembryonic Antigen or CEA higher than 20 ng/ml are considered very high. High levels of CEA can be a sign of some types of cancer like cancer of the colon and rectum, prostate, ovary, lung, thyroid, or liver. Again some noncancerous conditions like breast disease, cirrhosis, and emphysema may also elevate CEA levels. According to her x-ray film and high levels of CEA results, she may have any lung cancer. CT (computed tomography) guided or USG (ultrasound) guided FNAC (fine needle aspiration cytology) or biopsy from the left lung mass may help confirm the diagnosis. So it would help if you underwent CT or USG guided FNAC or biopsy as soon as possible to confirm the diagnosis. Take care. In case of any other query, ask me.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor.

Thank you for your reply. For her case, what will be the recommended procedure computed tomography (CT), ultrasonography (USG) guided, or fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC)? My mother does not want to do the biopsy. But in your assessment, are you saying that this is confirmed lung cancer?

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com. Thank you for joining again. Ultrasonography (USG) or computed tomography (CT)-guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) or Biopsy will help to confirm the diagnosis. CT-guided FNAC or biopsy will be better. Your mother can undergo CT guided FNAC or biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. According to your patient's CXR film, such type of lung lesion or mass may result from lung cancer and many other causes. Your mother's recent very high CEA level also suggests carcinoma. She has a history of previous cervical cancer and receiving both chemotherapies as well as radiotherapy. All points are in favor of carcinoma, but nothing is confirmed yet. CT-guided FNAC or biopsy is the gold standard test here. Without seeing the result of a CT-guided FNAC or biopsy, it is very difficult to confirm the diagnosis. Take care. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Muhammad Zubayer Alam
Dr. Muhammad Zubayer Alam

Pulmonology (Asthma Doctors)

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