Extreme Elevation of Carcinoembryonic Antigen should not Encourage Deviation from Established Surgical Practices

Ariane M. Abcarian

John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, USA

^*Correspondance to: Ariane M. Abcarian 

 PDF  Full Text DOI: 10.25107/2474-1647.2551

Abstract

Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) is an established marker for disease progression in colon and rectal cancers. Baseline CEA when elevated far above normal thresholds can be discouraging when considering overall treatment plan and potential disease free survival. This case supports the utility of CEA when used as a trend and not as an independent predictor of overall disease free survival. Furthermore, extreme elevation of CEA should not dissuade practitioners from following established surgical treatment guidelines. This case highlights the importance and necessity of discussing patients in a multidisciplinary cancer conference. Extreme elevation of carcinoembryonic antigen should not encourage deviation from established surgical practices.

Keywords

Carcinoembryonic antigen; Colon and rectal cancer; Multidisciplinary cancer

Cite the article

Abcarian AM. Extreme Elevation of Carcinoembryonic Antigen should not Encourage Deviation from Established Surgical Practices. Clin Surg. 2019; 4: 2551..