What is Carcinoembryonic Antigen Test (CEA)?

The carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was first discovered by Gold in 1965. Initially, it was believed to be unique to carcinoma and embryonic tissues. However, later studies revealed that carcinoembryonic antigen is also produced in small quantities by healthy adults, particularly by the secretory cells of the gastrointestinal tract. Over time, elevated levels of CEA in blood were found in patients with certain types of cancer, especially colorectal cancer, as well as in some non-cancerous conditions.

In 1974, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the carcinoembryonic antigen test for clinical use. It became a widely used marker in cancer diagnosis, monitoring, and follow-up treatment.

What is CEA?

CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) is a glycoprotein involved in cell adhesion. It is normally produced during fetal development in the gastrointestinal tissue, but its production ceases before birth. Therefore, healthy adults typically have very low levels of CEA in their bloodstream.

What is the CEA Test? | CEA Test Full Form

The CEA test in full form is the Carcinoembryonic Antigen Test. This test measures the amount of carcinoembryonic antigen in your blood. It is primarily used to monitor the effectiveness of cancer treatment, detect cancer recurrence, and, in some cases, help diagnose cancer.

The test is also known as the carcinoembryonic antigen blood test or simply the CEA blood report.

When is the CEA Test Recommended?

A carcinoembryonic antigen test may be recommended in the following situations:

1. To monitor treatment response in patients diagnosed with cancers such as colorectal, lung, pancreatic, breast, or ovarian cancer
2. To check for recurrence of cancer after treatment or surgery
3. Occasionally, to support diagnosis if cancer is suspected
4. To detect the spread (metastasis) of cancer to other areas of the body

CEA Test Procedure

The CEA blood test is a simple procedure. A blood sample is collected from a vein in your arm. In specific cases, CEA levels can also be tested in other body fluids like:

1. Peritoneal fluid (abdomen)
2. Pleural fluid (chest)
3. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (spinal cord area)

There is no special preparation required for the test.

Normal CEA Level

1. Normal CEA level in non-smokers: Less than 5 ng/mL
2. Normal CEA level in smokers: Less than 0 ng/mL

It is important to note that smokers naturally have slightly higher CEA levels, and this should be considered when interpreting test results.

How is the CEA Test Used?

The carcinoembryonic antigen test is not a definitive cancer diagnostic test but is widely used as a tumor marker, particularly for gastrointestinal cancers.

Key Uses:

1. Monitoring Treatment:

1. A high CEA blood report level before treatment that returns to normal after treatment usually indicates success.
2. A rising level may suggest recurrence or progression of the disease.

2. Cancer Staging:

1. Higher CEA levels are often associated with more advanced cancer stages.

3. Metastasis Detection:

1. Elevated CEA levels in body fluids (like CSF) may indicate cancer has spread to that region.

Interpretation of CEA Blood Report Results

Elevated CEA Levels May Indicate:

1. Colorectal cancer
2. Lung cancer
3. Breast cancer
4. Pancreatic cancer
5. Ovarian cancer
6. Thyroid cancer

Non-Cancerous Causes of High CEA Levels:

1. Smoking
2. Liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis)
3. Inflammatory conditions (e.g., ulcerative colitis, pancreatitis)
   Benign tumors or infections

While a higher than normal CEA level can be alarming, it does not confirm cancer. Additional diagnostic tests are always required to establish the cause.

Limitations of the CEA Test

1. Not suitable for cancer screening in healthy individuals
2. Some tumors do not produce CEA, even in advanced stages
3. Not all elevated results are due to cancer
4. Test results can vary between laboratories, so consistent monitoring should ideally be done at the same lab.

Risks Involved in CEA Testing

The CEA test is safe and involves minimal risk, such as:

1. Slight pain or bruising at the blood draw site
2. Rare risks like infection or excessive bleeding

Additional Information

1. Smokers tend to have higher baseline CEA levels
2. Temporary increases in CEA may be observed during chemotherapy due to tumor cell destruction
3. Speak with your healthcare provider about your CEA blood report for personalized interpretation

CEA Test at Dr. Lal PathLabs

The carcinoembryonic antigen test is available at Dr. Lal PathLabs under the name “Carcino Embryonic Antigen.”

Final Thoughts

The CEA test is a valuable tool for tracking cancer treatment progress and recurrence, especially in colon cancer. However, it should always be used in conjunction with other clinical assessments and imaging tests. If you’re undergoing treatment or follow-up for cancer, ask your doctor how your CEA blood report fits into your overall care plan.