Carcinoembryonic Antigen

Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) is a protein found in certain cells during fetal development but usually absent or present in low levels in healthy adults. Elevated CEA levels can be associated with some cancers, particularly colorectal, pancreatic, lung, and breast cancers. Doctors measure CEA through blood tests to help detect, monitor treatment response, and check for recurrence of these cancers. However, since non-cancerous conditions like inflammation or smoking can also raise CEA levels, it is used alongside other diagnostic tools rather than as a standalone indicator.