What does it mean when carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is positive?

A positive carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) result means that the level of CEA detected in the patient's body during serological tumor marker testing is above the normal range. This usually indicates the possible presence of malignant tumors, such as gastrointestinal cancers including gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, and biliary tract cancer, or gynecological cancers such as ovarian cancer and breast cancer. It should be noted that CEA is not a highly specific marker; elevated levels may also be associated with inflammatory conditions or other non-neoplastic diseases. Therefore, when CEA is positive, it is recommended to consult a qualified physician for further examination and evaluation to determine whether there are any underlying health issues. Based on the patient's specific clinical condition and other laboratory test results, the doctor may develop an appropriate treatment plan.