Hi fran
Thanks for posting, it’s understandable you want to know whether having a raised ALP is something you should be worried about.
ALP is an enzyme present in various parts of the body. As you’ll know the normal range for ALP in adults is 30-130 U/L. Abnormal ALP levels can indicate an underlying health problem, and as you’ve read can sometimes indicator for cancer in the bone or liver.
However, there are also harmless causes of abnormal levels too. You don’t say whether you are on any further treatment following your surgery, but I found some recent evidence that drugs used to treat oestrogen receptor positive (ER positive/ER+) breast cancer such as letrozole may affect the liver in some people and cause a rise in ALP.
It’s reassuring to hear that the CT scan your oncologist requested did not show anything of concern and that they will monitor this in the future.
It’s possible to have higher than normal levels of ALP and not have a medical condition that needs treatment. However, not knowing the cause of the abnormal blood test can be both a frustrating and worrying time for you.
It sounds as though it may be helpful for you to talk a bit more with your oncologist about any other possible causes of this and whether any further investigations may help determine this.
In the meantime, do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through more or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK -prefix 18001).
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Best wishes
Catherine
Breast Care Nurse
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