The CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) test measures the level of carcinoembryonic antigen in the blood. CEA is a protein normally produced in very small amounts in healthy adults. It is produced in higher quantities during fetal development and typically drops to low levels after birth.
This test is primarily used as a tumor marker to monitor certain types of cancers, particularly colorectal cancer. It helps evaluate the effectiveness of cancer treatment, detect cancer recurrence after surgery or treatment, and assess the spread of cancer to other organs. CEA can also be elevated in cancers of the lung, breast, pancreas, stomach, and ovary. Non-cancerous conditions such as smoking, liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and pancreatitis can also cause mild elevations.
