CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen)

Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) is a protein that can be found in the blood, usually at low levels. It is primarily used as a tumor marker, meaning that elevated levels may indicate certain types of cancers, particularly colorectal cancer. Doctors often measure CEA levels to monitor treatment effectiveness or check for cancer recurrence. However, CEA can also be elevated due to non-cancerous conditions, such as inflammation or smoking, so it is not solely diagnostic for cancer. It's important for patients to discuss their CEA results with their healthcare provider for proper interpretation.