CARCINOEMBRYONIC ANTIGEN

Description

  • 0 – 2.5 ng/ml
  • Smokers : 0 -5 ng/ml

Clinical significance

  • Carcino embryonic antigen (CEA) is a protein found in many types of cells but associated with tumours and the developing foetus. It normally occurs in foetal gut tissue. After birth, detectable serum levels essentially disappear. However, CEA may increase in the presence of various disorders such as colon cancer. 
  • This test may also be used to determine the responsiveness of cancer patients to treatment (to determine if cancer is spreading or going into remission).
  • Although CEA was first identified in colon cancer, an abnormal CEA blood level is specific neither for colon cancer nor for malignancy in general. Elevated CEA levels are found in a variety of cancers other than colonic, including pancreatic, gastric, lung, and breast. It is also detected in benign conditions including cirrhosis, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic lung disease, and pancreatitis.
  • CEA may be elevated in up to 19 per cent of smokers (Cigarette smoking will also cause the CEA level to be abnormally high) and in 3 per cent of a healthy control population. Thus, the test for CEA cannot substitute for a pathological diagnosis.

When to get tested

Elevated level

  • Colon cancer
  • Breast cancer 
  • Lung cancer 
  • Pancreatic cancer 
  • Thyroid cancer 
  • Genito urinary carcinomas
  • Inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases (ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis) 
  • Cirrhosis
  • Other liver disease
  • Peptic ulcer 
  • Heavy smoking 
  • Pulmonary infections

Decreased level

Profile

Cancer

Turn your phone into a full-featured Ayurveda clinic

Reference library, prescription studio, classical texts and everyday productivity tools — all in one app. Try Bhishak with a trial subscription; unlock the full experience once you’re in.

Get it on Google Play
Scroll