Worried About Your CEA Test Results? Get Expert Help Today!

Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Galen. Please find the below response to your query.

The CEA (CarcinoEmbryonic Antigen) test measures the level of a protein called CEA in the blood. This protein is primarily produced by fetal intestinal cells and typically decreases after birth. In healthy adults, CEA levels are usually very low. However, certain cancers, particularly carcinomas, can cause elevated CEA levels.

Doctors use the CEA test as a cancer marker to monitor the progression of the disease and the effectiveness of treatments. Although not used for initial cancer diagnosis due to accuracy concerns, a high CEA level may indicate the presence of cancer or the potential for its recurrence after treatment.

While a normal CEA level is generally considered to be less than 5 nanograms per milliliter, it's important to note that elevated levels can also result from non-cancerous conditions like infections, liver disease, and chronic inflammatory conditions. Additionally, some cancer patients may not have elevated CEA levels at all.

In summary, while elevated CEA levels can signal the possibility of cancer, they do not provide a definitive diagnosis. Your healthcare provider will explain what your specific test results mean and recommend appropriate next steps if necessary.

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