CEA Test
What is CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) Test?
CEA, or carcinoembryonic antigen, is a biomarker that tests for the presence of cancer or other conditions. The test measures the amount of CEA in the blood. CEA is a protein that’s produced in the body during embryonic development. It’s found in the unborn fetus and in lower levels in adults.
What is the role of CEA test?
CEA tests help doctors diagnose certain cancers and monitor how effective treatments are. CEA tests can also be used to detect malignant cells that have spread beyond the main tumor. It's also used to stage cancer. The test results can tell your doctor how advanced the cancer is and what type of treatment it will need. CEA tests can also be used to monitor a cancer's response to treatment. High levels of CEA can indicate that the cancer is growing or the treatment isn't working.
Who needs CEA test?
CEA tests are often used to monitor people with certain types of cancer, such as colon, pancreatic, gastric, esophageal, and breast cancers. Your doctor may also recommend a CEA test if you have a family history of certain cancers or if you have an increased risk due to lifestyle, ethnicity, or environmental factors.
Preparation for CEA Test
No special preparation is required for a CEA test. You will just need to provide a sample of your blood to be tested at your doctor’s office or lab.
Procedure of CEA Test
Your doctor or a nurse will draw a sample of your blood from a vein in your arm. The blood sample will be sent to a lab for testing. Your doctor will then review the results and determine whether you need further testing or treatment.
Types of CEA Test
- Quantitative CEA test: measures the exact amount of CEA in the blood.
- Qualitative CEA test: detects the presence of CEA in the blood. It's often used to monitor people with cancer or those with genetic conditions such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).
Risks of CEA Test
CEA tests are generally very safe and don't have any major risks. The most common risks are pain or discomfort in the area where the blood was drawn, and bruising at the puncture site. Rarely, a person may get an infection from the needle.
Why CEA Test is Important?
CEA tests are important because they can help diagnose and track certain cancers. They can also detect malignant cells that have spread beyond the main tumor, and can help doctors determine how advanced the cancer is and what type of treatment is needed. They can also be used to monitor a cancer's response to treatment.
When to get CEA Test?
Your doctor may recommend a CEA test if you have a tumor that’s suspected to be cancerous, you have a family history of certain types of cancer, or if you have an increased risk due to lifestyle, ethnicity, or environmental factors. Your doctor may also recommend a CEA test to monitor your cancer for any changes or to see how well your treatment is working.
