Carcinoembryonic antigen, CEA

CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen)

We remind you that independent interpretation of the results is unacceptable, the information provided below is for reference purposes only.

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a protein that is normally produced by cells in the gastrointestinal tract, but can also be produced by certain types of cancers, such as colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and breast cancer. CEA is used as a tumor marker, which means that elevated levels of CEA in the blood can indicate the presence of cancer or monitor the effectiveness of cancer treatment.

Structure and Functions of CEA

CEA is a glycoprotein that belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily. It is composed of a single polypeptide chain with a molecular weight of approximately 200,000 daltons. CEA is known to play a role in cell adhesion and migration, but its exact biological function is not fully understood.

CEA is primarily produced by tumor cells and is released into the bloodstream. While small amounts of CEA can be detected in healthy individuals, elevated levels of CEA may indicate the presence of cancer or the recurrence of cancer after treatment.

The Role of CEA

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a protein that plays a crucial role in cancer diagnosis and monitoring. It is often elevated in certain types of cancers, particularly those affecting the digestive system, such as colorectal, pancreatic, and gastric cancers.

Indications for CEA Testing

CEA testing is recommended in various clinical scenarios, including:

• Cancer screening: CEA levels may be measured as part of routine cancer screening, especially for colorectal cancer in individuals with an increased risk or those over a certain age.
• Diagnosis of cancer: Elevated CEA levels can aid in the diagnosis of certain cancers, particularly when combined with other diagnostic tests.
• Monitoring treatment response: CEA levels are frequently monitored in patients undergoing treatment for cancer, as a decrease in levels may indicate a positive response to therapy.
• Recurrence detection: After successful treatment, CEA levels can help detect cancer recurrence or metastasis at an early stage.

Preparation for the CEA Test

Preparing for a CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) blood test typically does not require extensive preparation. However, there are a few recommendations to consider:

• Fasting may not be necessary: Most laboratories allow for the CEA test to be taken without fasting. However, it's always best to follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding fasting requirements.
• Avoid strenuous exercise: Intense physical activity before the test could potentially affect the results, so it's recommended to avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours prior to the test.
• Inform your healthcare provider about medications: Certain medications can potentially interfere with the test results. Be sure to inform your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking.

Test Procedure

The CEA test is a simple blood draw, typically performed by venipuncture from a vein in your arm. The process is quick and relatively painless, although you may experience minor bruising or discomfort at the puncture site.

Sources:

https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/cea-test/
https://www.webmd.com/cancer/cea-tests
https://www.verywellhealth.com/carcinoembryonic-antigen-cea-797561
https://www.cancercenter.com/diagnosing-cancer/lab-tests/cea-test
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22744-cea-test-carcinoembryonic-antigen
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carcinoembryonic_antigen
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK578172/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carcinoembryonic_antigen

IMPORTANT!

It is crucial to remember that the information provided here is not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. If you experience any concerning symptoms or have an existing medical condition, it is essential to consult a qualified healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Only a qualified specialist can accurately diagnose and determine appropriate treatment. For the most accurate and consistent evaluation of test results, it is recommended to have them performed at the same laboratory, as different laboratories may use different methods and units of measurement for similar tests.