lymphedema and tumor markers

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kathleen1966
kathleen1966 Member Posts: 793
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

I was just wondering if lymphedema can affect tumor markers.  My tumor markers are not out of the normal range, I am just wondering. Mine have always been between 18 and 24, with the high number being 24 during chemo, 22 in the beginning and 18 at the end.  They have gone up two points since.  Currently 20.  I know this is still in the normal rage but I wonder if having lymphedema can affect them. The last two times I had them taken, I was a bit sick.  But as they never went down really (meaning down to zero after treatment) I wonder if the lymphedema can affect this number.  What else can affect the number.  I am talking about the 15.3 test.  I have read that other cancers, inflammation (is lymphedema considered inflammation) and even dehydration can affect them.  What else?  Just curious here....what do you know about tumor markers??

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  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited January 2012

    Kathleen....Recently i asked the same question to my Oncologist...........

    He said they will never go down 0....he also said if he tested his levels or anybod's with no Cancer DX won't be 0.

    Mine is between 25-27.

  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited January 2012

    Kathleen, I have no clue how LE might affect tumor markers, but I can tell you that it is most definitely an inflammatory condition.

    If you do discover answers to this question, please do let us know. It's an important issue, for sure.

    Gentle hugs,
    Bonnie

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