CEA (Cancer Embryonic Antigen)

Cancer Embryonic Antigen (CEA) is a protein normally produced during fetal development but usually not found in healthy adults. However, some cancer cells can produce CEA, making it a useful marker for detecting and monitoring certain cancers, such as colorectal, pancreatic, and lung cancers. Elevated levels of CEA in the blood can indicate the presence of cancer or its progression, though it’s not specific to one type of cancer and can sometimes be elevated due to other conditions. Therefore, CEA testing is often used alongside other diagnostic tools to assess cancer status.