What does the Carcinoembryonic Antigen - CEA blood test mean? Get a free analysis of your blood test now. Here's what you get with our free analysis:
Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) is a protein found in many types of cells associated with tumors. It's primarily used as a tumor marker to monitor colorectal cancer treatment, check if cancer has returned after treatment, or sometimes to help diagnose specific cancers. Elevated levels can indicate the presence of cancer, particularly in the colon, rectum, breast, lung, or pancreas. However, CEA is not a definitive diagnostic tool for cancer, as levels can be elevated in some non-cancerous conditions and not all cancers produce CEA. It's most useful when monitoring known cancer patients for treatment effectiveness or recurrence.
A CEA level below the lower range is generally not a cause for concern. In fact, lower levels are typically considered normal and healthy. CEA is produced in small amounts by normal cells and in larger amounts by cancer cells, particularly those of the colon, rectum, and some other organs. A low reading suggests that there is no significant production of CEA, which is generally a good sign. However, it’s important to note that CEA levels alone cannot definitively rule out cancer.
A CEA level above the upper range may indicate the presence of cancer, particularly colorectal cancer, but can also be associated with cancers of the lung, breast, thyroid, pancreas, liver, and others. However, it’s crucial to understand that elevated CEA levels are not definitive proof of cancer. Non-cancerous conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, liver cirrhosis, and smoking can also cause elevated CEA levels. If CEA levels are high, further diagnostic tests are typically required to determine the cause. In patients with known cancer, rising CEA levels may indicate cancer growth or spread.