CEA

Category:

CEA

Description

Formal name: Carcinoembryonic Antigen

Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) is a protein found in embryonic tissues.

After birth, detectable levels in the blood disappear. Consequently, It is normally not possible to detect CEA in the blood of a healthy person. If it appears in the blood it can indicate cancer, but it will not indicate which kind of cancer.

CEA is most useful to check treatment of cancer patients. Used with patients who have had surgery it helps to measure response to therapy and to monitor whether the disease is recurring.

Physicians can use CEA results to determine the stage and extent of cancer, especially gastrointestinal (GI) and, in particular, colorectal cancer.

CEA is also helpful in monitoring patients with cancer of the rectum, lung, breast, liver, pancreas, stomach, and ovary.

Its concentration is measured by means of analysis of a blood sample drawn from the vein in the arm.

Purpose of the test

To determine whether cancer is present in the body and to monitor cancer treatment.

When you have symptoms that suggest the possibility of cancer your doctor will prescribe this tests.   Also this test is performed before starting cancer treatment especially in patients with Gastro Intestinal cancer, as well as at intervals during and after therapy to monitor treatment and recovery.

Reference range values

Reference Values for non-smoking adults :

0.8 - 3.4  mcg/L

Abnormal findings

CEA levels are high on embryonic tissues.

Patients with smaller and early-stage tumors normally have low or normal CEA levels, while patients with more advanced tumors, or tumors that have spread throughout the body, are likely to have initially high CEA levels.

CEA levels decreased to “normal” levels after therapy means that the tumor has been removed.

If CEA levels return to rise steadily it can be the first sign of tumor recurrence.