Is a carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level of 4.55 ng/mL normal?
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) at 4.55 ng/mL is within the normal range, so there is no need for concern. The detailed analysis is as follows:
Carcinoembryonic antigen is a type of protein that normally exists at low levels in the blood. When the level of this protein increases in adults, it may indicate conditions such as gastric cancer, lung cancer, or breast cancer. Normally, CEA levels are considered normal when they are below 5.0 ng/mL. Therefore, a test result of 4.55 ng/mL falls within the normal range and does not require excessive worry.
However, carcinoembryonic antigen lacks high specificity. In some patients with tumors, CEA levels in the serum may also be elevated. It is therefore recommended to combine imaging examinations such as CT and X-ray, along with pathological tissue biopsy, to accurately assess the condition.