Description
Overview: Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) is a protein normally found in the tissue of a developing fetus. In adults, it usually remains at very low levels. However, certain types of cancers can cause CEA levels to rise significantly.
Clinical Significance:
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Colorectal Cancer: This is the most common use for CEA testing. It helps determine the “stage” of the cancer and is the primary marker used to monitor patients after surgery or chemotherapy to ensure the disease has not returned.
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Other Cancers: Elevated CEA can also be seen in cancers of the breast, lung, pancreas, stomach, and ovaries.
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Benign Conditions: It is important to know that smoking, infections, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and pancreatitis can also cause mild elevations in CEA.
When is this test recommended?
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Baseline: Before starting cancer treatment to establish a reference level.
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Monitoring: Regularly during and after treatment to see if therapy is working (levels should drop) or if the cancer is coming back (levels might rise).
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Metastasis: To assess if cancer has spread to body fluids (like pleural or peritoneal fluid).
Sample Requirements:
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Specimen: Serum.
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Container: Gold Top (SST) or Red Top Tube.
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Preparation: No fasting is typically required, but smokers should inform their doctor, as they may have higher baseline levels.
