Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Test

Elevated CEA levels are found in a variety of cancers including colon, pancreatic, gastric, lung, and breast. However, an abnormal CEA blood level is specific neither for colon cancer nor for malignancy in general. It is also detected in benign conditions including cirrhosis, inflamatory bowel disease, chronic lung disease, and pancreatitis.

The CEA was found to be elevated in up to 19 percent of smokers and in 3 percent of a healthy control population. Thus, the test for CEA cannot substitute for a pathological diagnosis.

The Serial Monitor CEA may be elevated and can be used to monitor the progress of disease or response to treatment.

A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.

Related Tests: Tumor Marker Cancer Profile