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Understanding the Test
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Interpreting Results
FAQ's
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References
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Carcino Embryonic Antigen

Also known as Serum Carcinoembryonic Antigen Test
629740 15% Off
You need to provide
Blood
This test is for
Male, Female
Test Preparation
  1. Provide brief clinical history/ doctor's prescription at the time of sample collection.

Understanding Carcino Embryonic Antigen


What is Carcino Embryonic Antigen?

The Carcino Embryonic Antigen or CEA test is used to measure the level of CEA, a protein that can be present in higher amounts in certain types of cancers, particularly the adenocarcinoma of the large intestine and rectum (colorectal cancers). However, it may also be used to monitor other cancers, such as breast, lung, thyroid, and pancreatic cancer.

Carcinogenic embryonic antigen (CEA) is a protein typically produced during fetal development but is present at very low levels in healthy adults. Higher CEA levels can indicate the presence of certain types of cancer, but non-cancerous conditions, such as inflammation, smoking, infections, and disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, and some benign tumors can also influence them.

Your doctor may recommend the Carcino Embryonic Antigen test to monitor if cancer has spread to other body regions (metastasized), determine the treatment response, and check for recurrence. The test is typically meant for individuals with symptoms suggestive of colorectal cancer, like sudden weight loss, changes in bowel habits, or abdominal pain, or for those with a history of colorectal cancer or other cancers. However, the test is not recommended for routine cancer screening in asymptomatic individuals (healthy or those without any suggestive symptoms).

It is important to note that the Carcino Embryonic Antigen test is not a standalone test; other confirmatory procedures, such as imaging studies or biopsies, are often necessary to validate cancer diagnosis. Higher than normal CEA levels may suggest the presence of cancer or other conditions. However, false positives (denoting the presence of cancer when cancer is absent) and false negatives (denoting the absence of cancer when cancer is present) can also occur. Additionally, sometimes, patients with confirmed cancer (by imaging, etc.) may have normal CEA levels. It is, therefore, advised to go for repeat/serial testing to look for consistently raised CEA levels. 

CEA levels generally return to normal between one and four months after the cancer has been successfully removed. Hence, baseline CEA levels are established before starting treatment for meaningful evaluation of treatment response, and detecting recurrences as persistently high levels after therapy or during follow-up may raise suspicion of ineffective treatment or recurrence.

Usually, no special preparation is needed before undergoing the Carcino Embryonic Antigen test. However, providing a brief clinical history/doctor's prescription at the time of sample collection is important. CEA samples should preferably be collected before colonoscopy as the procedure may temporarily raise tumor marker levels. Additionally, tell your doctor about any medications and supplements you take, as certain medications can affect your test results.

Reference ranges are approximate and may vary based on age, gender, medical history, etc. Values obtained with different assay methodologies should not be used interchangeably in serial testing. It is recommended that only one assay method be used consistently to monitor each patient's course of therapy. Abnormal test results require an expert interpretation; therefore, never try to self-medicate at home based solely on these results, and always consult a doctor for a proper understanding of the test results.

What is Carcino Embryonic Antigen used for?

The Carcino Embryonic Antigen test is done: 

  • To monitor cancer treatment, including response to therapy and recurrence.
  • As an indicator of the amount of cancer or size of tumor present (tumor burden).
  • To assist in cancer staging.
  • As a follow-up to a positive screening test for cancer.

What does Carcino Embryonic Antigen measure?

The Carcino Embryonic Antigen test measures the level of a specific tumor marker called CEA In the blood, often associated with colon and rectal cancer. This biomarker is produced by certain tissues in the body, specifically gastrointestinal tissues, during fetal development. CEA levels drop to low or nonexistent levels after birth. Elevated levels of CEA in the blood may indicate the presence of certain cancers, particularly colorectal cancer. However, it's important to note that high CEA levels can also be linked to non-cancerous conditions.

For a comprehensive evaluation, it is advised to consider other diagnostic tests in conjunction with Carcino Embryonic Antigen test and consult a doctor for a proper understanding of the test results.

Interpreting Carcino Embryonic Antigen results


Interpretations

Following is the normal range:

Non-smoker adult: less than 2.5 ng/mL

Smoker adult: less than 5.0 ng/ml (in the case of smokers, slightly higher levels of CEA can be considered normal)

CEA levels can increase in both cancerous and non-cancerous conditions.

·        The most frequent cancer that causes an increased CEA is cancer of the colon and rectum. Others include cancers of the pancreas, stomach, breast, lung, and medullary carcinoma of the thyroid, and ovarian cancer.

·        Non-cancerous conditions that can show elevated CEA include smoking, infections, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, and some benign tumors in the same organs in which an elevated CEA indicates cancer.

·        Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause a temporary rise in CEA due to the death of tumor cells and the release of CEA into the bloodstream.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Carcino Embryonic Antigen


Frequently Asked Questions about Carcino Embryonic Antigen

Q. What is the importance of getting the Carcino Embryonic Antigen test done?

The Carcino Embryonic Antigen test helps diagnose and manage certain types of cancers, especially colorectal cancer. It can be used to monitor the treatment response, detect recurrence, and in some cases, used for early detection of cancer in patients with suggestive symptoms.

Q. Is any specific preparation needed for this test?

No specific preparation is required for this test. However, it's essential to inform your doctor about any medications, supplements, or ongoing treatments, as certain substances might affect the test results. CEA samples should preferably be collected before colonoscopy as the procedure may transiently raise tumor marker levels.

Q. Is there any risk associated with a Carcino Embryonic Antigen test?

No, the Carcino Embryonic Antigen test is generally safe with minimal risks. However, you may feel slight discomfort during blood sample collection but chances of serious complications are extremely rare.

Q. When is the Carcino Embryonic Antigen test done?

The Carcino Embryonic Antigen test is done when you have symptoms that suggest cancer, especially colorectal cancer such as change in bowel habits, diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely, bright red or very dark blood in the stool, unwanted weight loss, etc. Additionally, if you are undergoing cancer treatment, the test may be done regularly to monitor your response to treatment.

Q. How often should I get the CEA test done?

The frequency of the CEA test varies based on your specific situation. If you are undergoing treatment for cancer, your doctor may order the test regularly to track your response to therapy.

Q. What happens if CEA is high?

In adults, higher than normal levels of CEA may be a sign of cancer. However, it is important to remember that CEA is also raised in some noncancerous conditions like smoking, infections, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, and some benign tumors that can cause CEA levels to rise.

Q. What is carcinoembryonic antigen?

Carcinoembryonic antigen is a protein found in certain tissues of the developing fetus. When the baby is born, its production usually stops.

Q. What are the risk factors of cancer?

The risk factors for cancer include increasing age, consumption of excessive alcohol, unhealthy diet, chronic inflammation, hormonal problems, immunosuppression, obesity, exposure to radiation, sunlight, and consumption of tobacco.
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Carcino Embryonic Antigen test price for other cities


Price inBangaloreRs. 629
Price inMumbaiRs. 629
Price inNew DelhiRs. 629
Price inKolkataRs. 629
Price inPuneRs. 629
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References

  1. Carcinoembryonic Antigen [Internet]. Rochester, NY: University of Rochester Medical Center; [Accessed 01 Mar. 2024]. Available from: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=carcinoembryonic_antigen External Link
  2. Kankanala VL, Mukkamalla SKR. Carcinoembryonic Antigen. [Updated 2023 Jan 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK578172/ External Link
  3. Asad-Ur-Rahman F, Saif MW. Elevated Level of Serum Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) and Search for a Malignancy: A Case Report. Cureus. 2016 Jun 20;8(6):e648. [Accessed 01 Mar. 2024]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4954749/ External Link
  4. Aabo K, Pedersen H, Kjaer M. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and alkaline phosphatase in progressive colorectal cancer with special reference to patient survival. Eur J Cancer Clin Oncol. 1986 Feb;22(2):211-7. [Accessed 01 Mar. 2024]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3699082/#:~:text=A%20CEA%20value%20of%20greater,the%20course%20of%20the%20disease. External Link
  5. Nicholson BD, Shinkins B, Pathiraja I, Roberts NW, James TJ, Mallett S, Perera R, Primrose JN, Mant D. Blood CEA levels for detecting recurrent colorectal cancer. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015 Dec 10;2015(12):CD011134. [Accessed 01 Mar. 2024]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7092609/ External Link
  6. Steele N, Haigh R, Knowles G, Mackean M. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) testing in colorectal cancer follow up: what do patients think? Postgrad Med J. 2007 Sep;83(983):612-4. [Accessed 01 Mar. 2024]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2600007/ External Link
  7. Duan B, Zhao Y, Bai J, et al. Colorectal Cancer: An Overview. In: Morgado-Diaz JA, editor. Gastrointestinal Cancers [Internet]. Brisbane (AU): Exon Publications; 2022 Sep 30. Chapter 1. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK586003/ External Link
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