CEA blood test
Explanation
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a protein measured mainly in blood. It is used as a tumor marker, a substance that can help monitor certain cancers. CEA is most often used in the care of bowel cancer. It is not a stand-alone cancer diagnosis.
Why is CEA measured repeatedly?
If a cancer produces CEA, comparing results before, during and after treatment can help assess changes. Falling levels may support a response to treatment. A rise may lead to further tests, but does not automatically prove that cancer has returned.
Can other things affect the result?
Yes. Smoking and several non-cancer conditions, including liver disease and inflammation, can raise CEA. Some cancers produce little CEA, so a normal result cannot exclude cancer. These limits make it unsuitable as a general cancer screening test.
Laboratories may use different methods. Comparing tests done by the same method makes changes easier to interpret. Ask how the current value compares with earlier results and whether other findings support the same conclusion.
Confusing Medical Report?
BaluMed makes medicine understandable! Our extensive medical report explanation 'translates' complex medical terms from MRI findings and discharge summaries into easily understandable language. With a combination of artificial intelligence and medical expertise, we offer quickly available and reliable information.
- Extensive. Summary, explanation per section, glossary.
- Fast & Reliable. Doctor-reviewed, within 24 hours.
- Privacy. Documents are automatically anonymized.
- Multilingual. German, English, Spanish or Italian.