Alkaline Phosphatase levels

veggie25

Hi Ladies,

I am two and a half years post Bilateral Mastectomy and two years post chemo.  Last November my Alk Phos levels began to rise.  143 in Nov, 170 in Feb and 205 in May.  No new medications.

My primary care doctor, gastroenterologist and oncologist are being very cautious with me because of being BRCA 2 positive and having cancer in both breasts.

I have had specialized blood work, ultrasound, ct and bone scans.  All rule out liver mets.  They are now concentrating on the bones.  I am scheduled for a PET scan on June 3.  The bone scan did show "intense activity within the superior endplate of L3 vertebral body".  I do have Osteoporosis.  Could that possibly be the "intense activity" they see?  Would Osteoporosis cause your Alk Phos levels to rise?

Has anyone experienced this?

Thanks so much for any help that you can provide.

Yvette

bevin

HI there ,I am sorry you are worrying but glad your doctors are checking you out.  I also have high alp, and it can be caused by vitamin D deficiency, hyperthyroid, osteoporosis treatment, infection and arthritis. My CATs and bone scans have been clear.

I'm hoping yours is a bening reason too.

Good luck and keep us posted.

veggie25

Thank you Bevin.  It is quite concerning but I'm sure that it will check out okay.

ducky113

I am 3 years post double mastectomy. After switching to Arimidex from Tamoxifen it was discovered I had Grave's disease (an autoimmune disease that causes hyperthyriodism). I was switched back to Tamoxifen (which I tolerate much better) and I had radioactive iodine treatment (RAI) for the Grave's. Basically this kills your thyroid and you end up in hypothyroidism on regulating medicine (i.e. Synthroid) forever. I did well through that and started the Synthroid. I am about 3 months post the RAI treatment and in between all of the endocrinologst visits I had a checkup with my oncologist. When running the a normal chem screen she noticed my ALP was elevated (149). This was new for me. Everything else was in range (i.e. Calcium, AST, ALT, etc.). My endocriniologist said that she has seen elevated ALP's in cases of hyperthyroid, however, my thyroid levels dropped and the ALP didn't yet (still the same). My endo wasn't sure how long they would take to drop if it was caused by my thyroid. Really hoping this is some secondary thing my thyroid did and not bone cancer. Anyone have anything similar?

ducky113

Hello ladies,

Just wanted to follow-up. After a CT scan, bone scan, and more blood work, it turned out the elevated ALP was due to my thyroid issues. PHEW! They finally started to drop and the scans were clear

Anyway, just wanted to let you know in case you have an elevated ALP...make sure your doctor checks your thyroid. 

RMC19

I am dealing with elevated alp after starting arimidex. I had hypothyroid problems b4 treatment and rt now my tsh is at 10.95... but alp is rising so I am terrified. How are you doing?

KBeee

Glad you got answers and that it is NOT mets!

sylbee2058

Hello, I just got my results of Alkaline Phosphatase and it went from 114 in April to 147 now in November. I did start the Anastrosale in April. Its Thanksgiving Morning and I am panicing.

MelissaDallas

sylbee, too early to worry. 147 is still in normal range. Top of range, but still normal.