CARCINO EMBRYONIC ANTIGEN (CEA)

The carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test measures the level of CEA in the blood, which is a protein produced by certain types of cancer cells, particularly colorectal cancer cells. This test is used to diagnose and monitor colorectal cancer, assess the effectiveness of treatment, and detect recurrences. Elevated CEA levels can indicate the presence of colorectal cancer or other conditions, such as liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and smoking. The CEA test is valuable for guiding treatment decisions, evaluating therapy outcomes, and monitoring for cancer recurrence in patients with colorectal cancer.