OVERVIEW:
What is the CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) lab test?
CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) lab test is a blood test that measures the level of carcinoembryonic antigen in the blood.
Why is the CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) lab test done?
CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) lab test is done in order to:
- Monitor treatment of cancer,
- Detect the size of tumor or extent of cancer,
- Assist in cancer staging,
- Monitor recurrence of cancer,
- Assess the effectiveness of treatment of cancer.
What does CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) lab test measure?
CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) lab test measures the amount of carcinoembryonic antigen) present in the blood. Carcinoembryonic antigen is a protein that is present in certain tissues of a developing baby. In adults, certain types of cancer cells produce carcinoembryonic antigen.
Are there any risks associated with this test?
There are no known risks associated with this test.
How should I prepare for this test?
This test does not require any special preparation.
Which type of cancer raises CEA level?
Colon, breast, liver, lung, ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate cancers raise
CEA level.
Can CEA be high without cancer?
Yes, an elevated CEA level may occur in patients who do not have cancer.
If I am a smoker, does an elevated CEA level mean I have cancer?
Not necessarily. Smokers can have CEA values up to twice the normal range for non-smokers and not have cancer.
A normal level of CEA is less than or equal to 3 ng/mL.
Any value higher than 3 ng/mL indicates presence of cancer.
CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) lab test is done in order to:
- Monitor treatment of cancer,
- Detect the size of tumor or extent of cancer,
- Assist in cancer staging,
- Monitor recurrence of cancer,
- Assess the effectiveness of treatment of cancer.