What is the CEA Test?
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is produced during the development of the fetus in the pancreas, liver, and gut and is a glycoprotein. In healthy individuals, the level of carcinoembryonic antigen is near zero or undetectable but in certain conditions specifically, various types of cancer can elevate the levels of CEA thus this test is an important tool for the detection of cancer, monitoring the efficiency of the treatment and examining for the recurrence of cancer.
CEA is associated with various cancers including cancer of the colon, pancreas, rectum, lungs, and breast, and non-cancerous conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, liver cirrhosis, and pancreatitis. This test is not a standalone diagnostic test but is prescribed as a part of a large diagnostic panel.
How is the Test Performed?
CEA is a simple blood test that requires blood drawn from the vein through the process of venipuncture;
Preparation
No specific preparations are required for the test but patients are advised to avoid smoking before the test as it might interfere with the test results. Keep your healthcare provider about the medications you are taking for accurate interpretation of the test result.
Analysis
The sample is analyzed in the laboratory using advanced techniques and technologies.
What are the symptoms that prompt this test?
CEA test is usually suggested for patients indicating the symptoms of cancer or other non-cancerous conditions as well as monitoring the cancer treatment;
For Screening for Cancer Treatment
- Frequent changes in bowel habit
- Bleeding in the rectum
- Bloody stool
- Weight loss without known reason
- Chronic pain in the abdomen
- Unexplained cough
- Swallowing difficulties
- Lumps in the breast
Non-cancerous condition
- Jaundice
- Edema
- Abdominal swelling
- Digestive issues
What are Normal Ranges for This Test?
The normal levels of CEA vary in smokers and non-smokers and the assay of the laboratory. The generally accepted reference range is given below;
Smokers – less than 5.0 ng/ml
Non-smokers – less than 2.5 ng/ml
**High CEA levels are not an indication of cancer rather they can also be suggestive of other non-cancerous conditions**
What Happens if Test Results Show Abnormal Levels?
Abnormal levels of CEA particularly elevated levels are suggestive of an underlying condition.
Elevated Levels of CEA
- Cancer
- Recurrence of cancer
- Spread of cancer i.e. metastasis
- Inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis
- Pancreatitis
- Liver Cirrhosis
- Hepatitis
- Peptic ulcer
Low or Normal Levels of CEA
- Low levels are suggestive of a healthy individual.
- It does not rule out the possibility of cancer as some cancers do not produce CEA
Further testing is necessary for the confirmation of the disease and starting an effective treatment plan. Monitoring is also crucial for effective treatment
