What does it mean when carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels are elevated?
Disease description:
The body shows no other abnormal discomfort; the elevated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level was incidentally detected during a routine health checkup at the hospital. What does an elevated CEA level indicate?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Yajuan
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a tumor marker. Elevated CEA levels detected through testing may be associated with certain malignancies, such as colorectal cancer, lung cancer, gastric cancer, and pancreatic cancer; patients with these cancers often exhibit enhanced antigen synthesis, leading to increased CEA levels. However, it is important to note that CEA is only an auxiliary diagnostic indicator and must be interpreted in conjunction with other diagnostic tests to accurately assess the patient’s condition.
