High ALP

grade1teachr

I was diagnosed 5 years ago. My ALP level was 132 last year and my oncologist was not concerned. Now it is 152. I have to see him later this week. I am very worried because everything I see online says that means bone or liver mets. Has anyone had this number go up and it not be mets? Please don't tell me any bad stories--I am looking for someone else who had this and it turned out to be nothing.

All of my other bloodwork was fine.

Moderators

Hi there, grade1teacher,

We're so sorry you find yourself here with this worry! We're sure other members will be around to share their insight/experience, but we just wanted to welcome you to our community, and we hope you find the support and guidance you need!

The Mods

KBeee

I know of 2 friends whose liver numbers went very high due to Tamoxifen. Are you on that or any other medications? Cholesterol drugs can affect those numbers sometimes too.

grade1teachr

Thanks, KBeee!

I am on Arimidex and Lipitor. I hope that is the cause! I have to see the MO tomorrow.

Thanks so much!

Jojo0529

I think if your calcium is normal it may be the meds. Especially Arimidex im

Halfabanana

My ALP is being followed by my gastroenterologist, as it has been consistently elevated for the last few years. It has, at times, been almost 200. He sent me for a bone scan a couple of years ago, which showed only arthritis, and last year I had a liver biopsy which was clear. I have ALP tested every three months, and it is always on the high end. I also have yearly abdominal ultrasounds to keep an eye on things. I asked if it could just be my “normal”, and he said no, that it is an indicator of something brewing that has just not become evident yet. My other liver numbers are all in normal range.My mother died of cryptogenic liver disease, so I am thinking that it may be an indicator of some similar problem for me, just not yet symptomatic.

BevJen

My ALP went up for a period of time, from a relatively low normal up to around your 152 range. I had had a liver procedure (microwave ablation) in that interim, but other than that, nothing else was going on. My number has gone back to my historical low after about 6 months at the high. My internist is actually more interested in that number than my oncologist. Have you checked it out with your internist?

Moderators

Grade1teacher -- any updates after seeing your MO?

Thinking of you!

--The Mods

grade1teachr

No update yet. He wasn't very worried about it. He said a number of things can cause it to rise and since that higher reading was done by my primary at a different lab, he didn't want to compare the two--said it was apples to oranges. He did my bloodwork and I am waiting for him to call.

grade1teachr

Well, my MO never called, but I was able to go in and read my results. MY ALP was back in the normal range, so I feel much better.

KBeee

Great news!

grade1teachr

Thanks!