High levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) after colorectal cancer surgery typically indicate what?

High levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) following colorectal cancer surgery are significant indicators of the disease's status. CEA is a tumor marker commonly associated with colorectal cancer, and it is used to monitor treatment response and check for recurrence of the disease.

When CEA levels remain elevated after surgery, it often suggests that not all cancerous tissue has been removed, indicating the possibility that there are remaining cancer cells which can lead to recurrence. Therefore, an elevated CEA level after surgery typically reflects that the tumor has not been completely excised. Tracking CEA levels post-surgery is crucial in the follow-up care of colorectal cancer patients, as rising levels can prompt further investigation, potentially leading to additional treatments if necessary.

In contrast, a complete removal of the tumor would usually correlate with decreased CEA levels, and similarly, benign conditions would not be expected to elevate this specific tumor marker significantly. Furthermore, while a patient in remission may have low CEA levels, high levels post-surgery more accurately reflect the presence of residual cancer rather than a state of remission.