CEA Detail

CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) is a tumor marker — a protein that may be present at higher levels in individuals with certain types of cancers, especially colorectal cancer. The CEA test is commonly used to monitor the progression, recurrence, and response to treatment in patients with diagnosed cancer, particularly of the gastrointestinal tract.

Clinical Applications:

🔹 Used to:

• Monitor treatment response in colorectal cancer

• Detect recurrence of cancer after surgery or therapy

• Support diagnosis of cancers such as:

  • Colorectal cancer

  • Lung cancer

  • Pancreatic cancer

  • Breast cancer

  • Ovarian cancer

  • Stomach cancer

🔹 May also be elevated in:

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

• Peptic ulcers

• Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis)

• Smoking (can mildly increase CEA levels)