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Back to Oncology Labs
Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is normally found in small amounts in
the blood of most healthy people, but may become elevated in people
who have cancer or some benign conditions. The primary use of CEA is
in monitoring colorectal cancer, especially when the disease has
spread (metastasized). CEA is also used after treatment to check for
recurrence of colorectal cancer. However, a wide variety of other
cancers can produce elevated levels of this tumor marker, including
melanoma; lymphoma; and cancers of the breast, lung, pancreas,
stomach, cervix, bladder, kidney, thyroid, liver, and ovary.
Elevated CEA levels can also occur in patients with noncancerous
conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, and
liver disease. Tobacco use can also contribute to higher-than-normal
levels of CEA.
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