Carcinoembryonic Antigen Test - What, Why, and How?

Introduction

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a particular blood protein, is measured by a carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test. People are usually born with high carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels, which gradually drop as they age. However, some cancers can cause an increase in this protein. Therefore, a healthcare professional may use a carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test to advise cancer therapy or determine effective treatment.

What Is a Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)?

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is also a tumor marker or antigen. Tumor markers are chemicals some cancer cells produce and occasionally spill into physiological fluids. Cancer markers can be made by healthy cells at deficient levels. However, on lab results, many healthy persons have normal levels of tumor producers, which are referred to as normal range, reference range, or reference interval.

What Is a Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Test?

A carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test detects a blood glycoprotein called carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). It refers to a protein with several sugars added to it by normal or malignant cells. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was identified in 1968 when scientists separated extracts from the metastasized liver and regular embryonic digestive system colorectal cancer. Everyone is born with an abundance of this protein. Although carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels in the blood decrease with age, several illnesses, particularly some forms of cancer, can raise them.

What Types of Cancer Are Screened With Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Tests?

The carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test does not always predict whether the cancer is present, and it is not used to screen for cancer. It should instead be used in persons who have already been diagnosed with specific forms of cancer, most notably colorectal cancer. The carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test is also used by providers in conjunction with other tests to diagnose, treat, and follow up on various malignancies, including:

• Bladder cancer.

• Breast cancer.

• Lung cancer.

• Ovarian cancer.

• Thyroid cancer.

It is often used to track therapy responses, including relapses, and to search for potential recurrences. However, this test is not employed in isolation. As appropriate, it combines a physical examination and imaging.

When Should a Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Test Be Performed?

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) tests are not used to diagnose cancer. However, the tests might provide important information if the cancer is already present. The carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test may be used as follows:

• To examine if the cancer has grown or spread (metastasized).

• To examine how effective cancer treatment is.

• Immediately upon diagnosis, guide the treatment plan (baseline testing).

• Assess the efficacy of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy during cancer treatment.

• Check after cancer therapy to see whether the cancer has reappeared (recurrence).

• Following a diagnosis and before treatment and surgery, this test will be conducted every one to three months.

However, increasing CEA levels four to six weeks after starting therapy does not always indicate treatment failure, relapse, or recurrence. In remission, it may be required to frequently test the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) to monitor recurrences. The frequency of testing is up to the doctor.

What Are the Normal Ranges of Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)?

The concentration of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is commonly expressed in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). The standard range is 0 to 2.9 ng/mL of blood. Healthcare practitioners say typical CEA values are between 0 and 2.9 ng/mL. However, research shows false-positive findings have been observed at concentrations as high as 35 ng/mL. Depending on the unique conditions, various laboratories may have different reference ranges, and physicians may consider higher limits.

What Is the Purpose of a Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Test?

Typically, a carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test is a blood test. A small blood sample from one of the veins is collected during a blood test. A laboratory specialist examines the blood for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). The fluid is also examined from the following parts of the body:

1. The spinal cord (cerebrospinal fluid or CSF).

2. The abdominal wall (peritoneal fluid).

3. Chest (pleural fluid).

What Are the Complications of a Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Test?

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) tests are typically considered safe. Chest fluid testing provides a minor risk of:

1. Infection.

2. Damage to the lungs.

3. Loss of blood.

Most people do not have issues with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) tests.

What Are the Risks of a Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Test?

A few adverse effects are as follows:

1. Headaches.

2. Dizziness.

3. Lightheadedness.

What Do the Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Test Findings Mean?

The doctor utilizes carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test findings to learn more about cancer:

Low Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Levels -

It may indicate that the tumor is small and has not migrated to other body areas. However, since many cancers do not shed as much carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), particularly those that are localized, blood carcinoembryonic antigen tests may suggest low carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels, particularly in cases where the cancer is localized to the brain. Thus, the doctor will investigate imaging modalities like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

High Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Levels -

It may indicate that the tumor is big or has migrated to other areas of your body. However, the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test cannot be used to stage tumors or determine whether the disease has spread.

Can Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Levels Be Elevated Without Cancer?

High carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels might not always indicate malignancy. Cigarette smoking, for example, may raise carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test levels. Increased carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test levels can be caused by the non-cancer illnesses listed below:

• Obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

• Cirrhosis, fatty liver, and gallstones.

• Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (inflammatory bowel illnesses).

• Gastritis (stomach inflammation) and stomach ulcers.

• Diabetes.

• Any inflammatory or autoimmune illness.

• Pneumonia (including COVID-19 pneumonia).

Conclusion

A carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test measures a specific blood protein called carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). People are born with high carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels, which gradually decrease as they age. During cancer therapy, the healthcare professional may additionally test for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels. If the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels drop dramatically throughout therapy, it usually suggests the treatment is effective. To determine this, providers often perform a physical exam and imaging.