Carcino Embryonic Antigen (CEA)
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CEA is a glycoprotein involved in cell adhesion, normally produced in fetal development
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🧪 Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)
Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
Sample Type | Blood (Serum) |
Fasting Required | 🚫 Not mandatory, but 8–10 hours fasting preferred for consistency |
Main Organ Targets | Colon, Rectum, Lungs, Breasts, Pancreas, Thyroid, Liver |
Primary Use | Tumor marker – used in diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of certain cancers |
🔍 What is CEA?
CEA is a glycoprotein involved in cell adhesion, normally produced in fetal development. After birth, it is usually present in very low levels in healthy individuals. Elevated CEA can be seen in certain malignancies and also in benign conditions, particularly among smokers.
📈 Reference Range (Serum CEA Levels)
Population | CEA Level |
|---|---|
Non-smokers | < 3.0 ng/mL |
Smokers | < 5.0 ng/mL |
Suspicious (borderline) | 3–10 ng/mL (needs follow-up) |
High | >10 ng/mL (likely malignancy) |
Note: Values may vary slightly depending on the lab method and clinical context.
🧪 Clinical Uses of CEA Test
Use | Purpose |
|---|---|
🧫 Colorectal cancer monitoring | Most common use; assess treatment response & recurrence |
🔎 Cancer diagnosis support | Combined with imaging and biopsy |
📉 Track cancer progression | Useful in post-surgical or chemotherapy follow-up |
🧪 Cancer screening (not routine) | Not used for general screening due to low sensitivity/specificity |
⚠️ Conditions That May Raise CEA
Malignant Causes:
Cancer Type | Frequency of Elevated CEA |
|---|---|
Colorectal | ✅ Very common |
Pancreatic | ✅ Common |
Lung | ✅ May occur |
Breast | ✅ In some advanced cases |
Ovarian, thyroid, liver | Occasionally elevated |
Benign (Non-Cancerous) Causes:
Condition | Explanation |
|---|---|
Smoking | Can mildly elevate CEA |
Inflammatory bowel disease | Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis |
Liver cirrhosis | Poor metabolism of CEA |
Pancreatitis | Inflammatory response |
Peptic ulcer, diverticulitis | Local gut irritation |
🔁 Tests Often Done Along With CEA
Test | Why |
|---|---|
CA 19-9 | Pancreatic or GI cancers |
AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein) | Liver or testicular cancer |
CA 125, CA 15-3 | Ovarian or breast cancer |
Liver function tests (LFTs) | Liver metastasis assessment |
Colonoscopy / CT scan / MRI | For cancer staging and evaluation |
📋 Summary Table
Test | CEA – Carcinoembryonic Antigen |
|---|---|
Sample Type | Blood (Serum) |
Fasting Required | Not required, but preferred for consistency |
Normal Range | <3.0 ng/mL (non-smokers); <5.0 ng/mL (smokers) |
Main Uses | Colorectal and GI cancer monitoring |
Also Elevated In | Smoking, liver disease, pancreatitis |
Not Used For | Cancer screening (due to poor specificity) |
Paired Tests | CA 19-9, AFP, LFT, CT scans, colonoscopy |
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