CEA Levels Rising Post-Reversal: Should I Be Concerned?

A year ago, I was frantically writing sub plans as I tried to prepare my classroom staff for my first surgery. I was diagnosed in August, and surgery was a month later.

I had stage 1 colorectal cancer and was planning for a temporary ileostomy with a reversal planned for 3 months later.

Now I'm put back together again and so glad to start a “normal” school year.

My question is surrounding my CEA levels since my reversal. I started at 1.0 pre-surgery. Three months post-reversal, I was at 1.2. Today is 6 months post-reversal, and it's 1.4. My doctor doesn't seem to be concerned, but I'm seeing an upward trend, and it makes me nervous. My colonoscopy was negative. My CT scan was negative. Is it normal to have rising rates post-reversal, even if the cancer isn't returning? Thanks, all!

Hello,

I did a little research about this. Are you referring to the ng/mL level?

If so, 3 ng/mL or less is considered normal after cancer treatment.

Normal CEA levels vary depending on a number of factors, including:

Smoking status: Smokers may have slightly higher CEA levels, which are considered normal if they are less than 5 ng/mL.

Laboratory: Different labs may have slightly different reference ranges.

Individual circumstances: Clinicians may consider higher thresholds depending on the individual circumstances.

As always... if concerned or have any unusual symptoms... seek medical help promptly.