At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.
What Is a CEA Test?
A CEA test is used to help diagnose certain types of cancer in combination with other tests, to monitor the treatment thereof and to detect recurrence of those cancers. The test is a simple blood test done on blood drawn from the vein. Results can be returned in one to three days and may indicate the presence of cancer, although raised levels are occasionally found in patients with some non-cancerous conditions.
CEA is the abbreviation of carcinoembryonic antigen, a protein that is produced in the fetus but is no longer detectable once the baby is born. The protein is mainly produced by some cancerous tumors of the colon, rectum, intestine, breast, pancreas, ovary and lung. Some tumors do not produce it at all, so a CEA test that shows nothing is not a guarantee that cancer is not present. Various other blood tests and, in some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to confirm cancer.
While a CEA test is often used for diagnosis in combination with other diagnostic tests, it is not used as an indicator of cancer in the healthy population. It is usually only ordered in patients showing symptoms that may indicate the presence of cancer. It is also used to indicate the success of cancer treatment in patients who have had surgery to remove a tumor and in those undergoing treatment, such as chemotherapy. In patients who have been successfully treated and are in remission, a CEA test may routinely be done to check for recurrence of cancer.
Some non-cancerous conditions may also cause a raised CEA. These include liver cirrhosis, kidney failure, peptic ulcer disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and Crohn's disease. Smokers may also have raised CEA levels even if they do not have cancer. It should also be noted that a CEA test that shows nothing may not, necessarily, indicate that no cancer is present, as some tumors don't produce the hormone.
Other blood tests that may be performed concurrent to the CEA test in people with suspected cancer include other tumor marker tests, such as the prostate specific antigen (PSA) for prostate cancer. Often a biopsy is necessary for confirmation of diagnosis and determination of whether the tumor is benign or malignant. This is a small procedure done either under local or general anesthetic, depending on where the tumor is. A small number of cells or tissue is removed and examined for the presence of cancer cells.
AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
-
![CEA blood testing can be done concurrently with other blood tests.]()
By: Wojciech SobiechCEA blood testing can be done concurrently with other blood tests. -
![A CEA test looks for a protein produced by certain cancers.]()
By: jarun011A CEA test looks for a protein produced by certain cancers. -
![Blood tests alone are not considered adequate for diagnosing cancer, so additional diagnostic procedures are performed.]()
By: Goran BogicevicBlood tests alone are not considered adequate for diagnosing cancer, so additional diagnostic procedures are performed.
Discussion Comments
I wonder if this antigen that they test for is somehow related to the research scientists have been doing on extending life.
I read a book recently where research into cancer cells has been helping scientists to understand how to stop cell death. Cancer cells just keep growing without stopping like normal cells, that's why they end up forming into big clumps, or tumors.
I imagine a fetus is also mostly made from cells that are growing without dying and the CEA marker is something they have in common.
Of course, I am just speculating because I just read this book, but it could be so amazing if something that has caused so much pain, like cancer, could end up extending our lives.
Unfortunately, because a CEA cancer test only shows that you might have cancer, somewhere, it can be a very nerve wracking experience to have it done.
My mother had one done after she had a melanoma removed and the doctors were very thorough in preparing her for a positive result, explaining that it wouldn't necessarily mean cancer.
I was terrified that maybe she had a tiny tumor somewhere that they had overlooked, or that would be difficult to find. Even a small bit of cancer can be fatal, after all.
Luckily, she came up clear. But I sympathize with anyone who is having to go through this.
Post your comments