What does CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) mean?

CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) is a protein commonly used in tumor marker testing, primarily for monitoring the presence of certain types of cancer and the effectiveness of treatment. CEA is produced during embryonic development but is present at low concentrations in the serum of healthy adults. Its main clinical applications include: 1. **Cancer Detection**: CEA levels may be elevated in patients with certain cancers, especially colorectal cancer, lung cancer, and breast cancer. Measuring CEA levels can help physicians initially assess the likelihood of cancer. 2. **Monitoring Treatment Response**: During cancer treatment, regular CEA testing can help evaluate therapeutic effectiveness. Changes in CEA levels may reflect the tumor's response to treatment and the progression of the disease. 3. **Recurrence Monitoring**: After treatment, cancer patients require regular follow-up testing to monitor for signs of recurrence. An increase in CEA levels may indicate an increased risk of tumor recurrence or metastasis. An elevated CEA level does not necessarily indicate the presence of cancer, as certain benign conditions or physiological states may also cause an increase in CEA levels.