CEA test

A Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) test measures the level of a specific protein called CEA in the blood. This protein is produced by certain types of cancer cells, especially in cancers of the colon, rectum, pancreas, lung, and breast. The test helps doctors monitor treatment effectiveness, check for cancer recurrence after treatment, and sometimes assist in diagnosis. However, elevated CEA levels can also occur due to non-cancerous conditions like smoking, inflammation, or infection. Therefore, CEA results are used alongside other tests and medical assessments to provide a clearer picture of a patient’s health status.