CEA stands for cancer antigen; CEA is a protein that is considered a kind of “tumor form.” Tumor markers are drugs often produced by cancer cells or normal cells depending on the cancer.
High CEA levels are considered normal in a healthy fetus. After birth, CEA levels become very low or disappear completely. Healthy adults usually have too little CEA in their bodies.
Cancer can cause an increase in CEA levels.
If you have been diagnosed with a form of cancer that can cause increased CEA levels, a CEA test can help your care provider learn more about your cancer and its potential for cure. The analysis is often used in conjunction with other tests to determine if a cure for cancer is working.
The CEA test is not used to screen or diagnose cancer. The reason for it:
- Cancers that often have high CEA levels do not always increase the numbers. You can have any of these cancers and still get a normal CEA test result.
- Many other health problems that are not considered cancers can increase CEA, such as certain disorders affecting the liver, digestion, and breathing.
Most CEA studies use a blood draw to measure CEA levels. Tests may also use water samples from the spine, chest, or stomach (gastric), although this is less common.
Other names: CEA test, CEA blood test, carcinobryonantigeentest.
What is it used for?
The CEA test is used primarily in people who have been diagnosed with cancer and therefore often have an increased degree of CEA. It is used more frequently in colon cancer. Doctors can order the CEA test in combination with other tests.
- Immediately after diagnosis, the cancer should be detailed; the CEA value can help predict the likelihood of healing and the likelihood that the cancer will return after healing.
- Find out how well the cancer heals.
- Find out if the cancer has returned after treatment.
Why is a CEA analysis needed?
A CEA test may be needed if there is an established cancer type that may cause an increase in CEA.
- For healing at the address:
- Helps to understand the nonsensical nature of cancer.
- Helps to manage the conclusion of treatment.
- Measurements of pre-treatment CEA values are compared to post-course CEA values.
What happens during the CEA test?
REA is usually measured with the help of a blood sample; during the REA blood test, the caregiver draws blood from a vein in the arm with the help of a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood is collected in a tube or vial. A small burning sensation can be felt as the needle goes in and out. This usually takes no more than 5 minutes.
CEA may be tested with other body fluids. For these tests, the physician takes a small sample of water with a narrow needle.
Do I have to do anything to prepare for the test?
Normally, you do not need to prepare for the CEA blood test. If you smoke, you may have to stop smoking before the test. This is because smoking increases the degree of CEA.
Was there any risk to the test?
The CEA blood test involves fairly small risks. You may experience minor soreness and bruising in the area where the needle is inserted, but most signs disappear quickly.
What do the results mean?
To understand the results of your CEA test, your doctor will consider the results of other studies. Ask your doctor to tell you what your test results mean for your health and healing.
Generally, if the study is done before the cancer begins to heal:
- A low CEA means that the tumor is small and the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body. However, some cancers do not produce large amounts of CEA, so your doctor can use other studies to learn more about how the cancer looks and whether it has spread.
- A high CEA means you have the largest tumor and/or that the cancer is spreading. Other tests are needed to indicate the severity of the cancer.
If you are tested for cancer during or after treatment, your doctor will compare the results of your current CEA test with the results of your previous tests. General:
- A decrease in CEA over time often means that treatment is working.
- An increase in REA values or higher levels may mean that the treatment is not working. For example, if you have had surgery for colon cancer, these values may mean that the tumor has not been completely removed or that the cancer will grow back.
- A decrease in CEA after treatment, followed by an increase in CEA, could mean that the cancer has returned.
A CEA value that remains high or rises after treatment does not always mean that the treatment is not working or that the cancer is increasing; if the CEA content does not drop, your doctor will probably perform other studies to determine the cause.
If you have questions about the results, consult your own physician.
Is there anything else I should know about the CEA test?
Laboratories use a variety of methods to measure CEA. The testing methodology can affect the results. That is why it is more important than one in which the test is performed according to the same methodology, usually in the same laboratory. This allows the suppliers to relate the results over time. If you have questions about how to run the test, contact your own healthcare provider
With permission of MedlinePlus from the National Library of Medicine.
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