1032. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a protein normally synthesized during fetal development. In adults, its levels are minimal. Elevated levels may indicate the presence of a malignant tumor, primarily of the gastrointestinal tract, mammary gland, or lungs.

Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) is a glycoprotein that functions as a cell adhesion protein in embryonic tissues. It is normally synthesized in small quantities by epithelial cells of the intestine, liver, pancreas, and respiratory tract. In healthy adults, CEA blood levels are very low.

Elevated CEA levels are a nonspecific but important indicator of oncological progression, particularly in cancers of the following types:

• colon and rectum;
• stomach;
• pancreas;
• lung;
• breast.

Furthermore, CEA levels can be moderately elevated in chronic diseases (chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, pancreatitis, chronic renal failure), as well as in smokers.

Important: CEA is not a marker for primary cancer screening, but it is one of the most valuable prognostic and monitoring indicators in clinical oncology.

• For the diagnosis of malignant tumors (especially of the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, and breast).
• For monitoring the effectiveness of treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy).
• For detecting relapses and metastases after completion of treatment.
• As part of a tumor marker panel along with CA 19-9, CA 242, CA 72-4, CA 125, and HE4 to clarify the location of the tumor.
• For prognosticating the course of the disease and determining further treatment.

• Venous blood

In order to exclude factors that may affect the test results, we recommend to follow the preparation rules: