Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test measures the amount of carcinoembryonic antigen in the blood or in other body fluids. However, a CEA Test can’t identify a cancer since the test is not for cancer screening. But if you have been diagnosed with cancer, this test can help your doctor monitor the effectiveness of your treatment and how it is going.
When WIll Your Doctor Request The CEA Test?
If your symptoms indicate cancer, your doctor can request for a CEA test. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a mix of the three may have been used in these treatments.
The Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Test may also be used by your doctor to assess if a cancer has returned or recurred following therapy. Moreover, CEA levels can be found to be significantly higher in the following cancer types:
- Colon Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Gastrointestinal Cancer
- Thyroid Medullary Carcinoma
- Liver Cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
What Are The Usual CEA Levels?
3 nanograms per millilitre is the average level of CEA. Most healthy persons have levels that are lower than this. After the cancer has been effectively removed, the CEA levels normally return to normal one to four months later.
What Are The Unusual CEA Levels?
When the CEA level exceeds 3 ng/mL, it is considered elevated. Levels greater than 3 ng/mL might occur for a variety of causes. These are some examples:
- infection
- cirrhosis
- long-term smoking
- inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
How Is The Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Test Performed?
Your doctor will perform a Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Test at his or her clinic.The procedure for drawing blood, known as venipuncture, generally includes the following steps:
- The health care provider will clean the place that is near the arm’s middle or the opposite of the elbow, that’s called the puncture site.
- An elastic band will be put on your upper arm by a healthcare provider. This will help your vein swell up with blood.
- A needle will be inserted in your vein to draw blood.
- Your arm will then be unwrapped from the band.
- A specialist will examine your blood sample at the laboratory.
