Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a substance produced by some cancer cells, particularly in colorectal, lung, and pancreatic cancers. It is measured through a blood test and can help doctors monitor the presence or progression of certain tumors. Elevated CEA levels may indicate cancer growth or recurrence, but they can also increase due to non-cancerous conditions like inflammation or smoking. CEA testing is often used alongside other diagnostic tools to assess treatment response or disease status, but it is not used alone for cancer diagnosis.