The carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a protein that the body produces in minute levels. Certain malignancies, such as colon and rectal cancer, can cause increased CEA production, resulting in elevated levels in the blood. The CEA test determines high levels by measuring the amount of CEA in a person's blood.
The CEA test normal range falls between 0 to 2.5 ng/mL, but if your CEA test results are above 2.5 ng/mL, it might indicate cancer.
A CEA test can be used as a tumor marker to monitor the disease status of certain cancers. Still, it is not considered a reliable marker for all cancers. The reliability of CEA as a tumor marker depends on factors like the type of cancer, the stage of the disease, and the individual patient's biology.
If your blood shows high levels of Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA), it may indicate the presence of certain types of cancer, like colorectal, pancreatic, or lung cancer. However, it's not always true, and it can also trigger due to smoking, inflammation, and certain medical conditions.
A high CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) level doesn't always indicate cancer. CEA is a protein produced by certain types of cancer, but non-cancerous conditions like inflammation can also generate it. Elevated levels of CEA can also be seen in people who smoke or use tobacco.
The Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) test is not a comprehensive cancer screening test and cannot detect all cancers. It is a specific blood test used to monitor only certain cancers, such as colorectal cancer.
