Elevated CEA Levels: Impact of Rheumatoid Arthritis - Oncology

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Elevated Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) levels can be concerning, especially when they reach significantly high values like 1119. CEA is a glycoprotein involved in cell adhesion and is often used as a tumor marker, particularly in colorectal cancer, but it can also be elevated in various benign conditions and other malignancies.
In the context of your mother's situation, it is important to clarify that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or psoriatic arthritis (which I assume you meant by "乾癇性關節炎") typically does not directly influence CEA levels. CEA is more commonly associated with certain cancers, particularly gastrointestinal cancers, but can also be elevated in conditions such as smoking, inflammatory diseases, and liver diseases.
Given that your mother has a history of psoriatic arthritis and is currently asymptomatic aside from the elevated CEA, it is crucial to investigate the underlying cause of the high CEA levels. The presence of a liver shadow on ultrasound raises the possibility of liver pathology, which could be a contributing factor to the elevated CEA. Conditions such as liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, or even liver tumors can lead to increased CEA levels.
It is also worth noting that while inflammatory conditions like RA or psoriatic arthritis can cause systemic inflammation, which might lead to elevated levels of other inflammatory markers (such as C-reactive protein or ESR), they do not typically cause a significant increase in CEA. Therefore, it would be prudent to conduct further diagnostic evaluations, including imaging studies or possibly a biopsy, to ascertain the nature of the liver shadow and to rule out any malignancy.

In summary, while psoriatic arthritis itself is unlikely to be the cause of the elevated CEA levels, the presence of a liver shadow warrants further investigation. It is essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the next steps, which may include additional imaging studies, liver function tests, or referrals to specialists such as a gastroenterologist or oncologist. Early diagnosis and intervention are key to managing any potential underlying conditions effectively.