Yashoda Hospitals > Diagnostics > CEA Test

What is the CEA test?

The Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)  test is a blood test that helps measure the CEA protein in the blood. Abnormal levels of CEA are an indication of cancers, such as cancer of the large intestine and the rectum. 

The CEA test, when conducted after the detection of cancer, helps determine the effect of the treatment. High levels of the CEA protein indicate that the cancer has not been cured and that it may have spread to other parts of the body. 

Doctors order this test to determine the stage of your cancer, to check the size of the tumor, and how far your cancer has spread.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    The CEA test is used to study cancers of the colon, rectum, prostate, ovary, and thyroid and plan appropriate treatment. It is used to determine if your cancer is cured or has recurred. This test also helps detect if the various cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, are being effective in treating the cancer.

    The CEA test results usually differ between labs. 

    Normal CEA results fall below 5 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL).

    Higher CEA results above 5 ng/mL might indicate cancer.

    However, high CEA levels don’t always mean that you have cancer. Abnormal CEA levels could also be because of:

    • Cirrhosis or Liver disease
    • Lung problem
    • Inflammatory bowel disease
    • Chronic smoking

    You will require a CEA test if you have been detected with cancer. The doctor uses this test regularly during your treatment to monitor your condition and determine if the treatment is helping you. You will also need to undergo this test after completing your treatment to check if your cancer has relapsed.

    The CEA blood test is conducted at the pathology lab. During the test, the lab technician first cleans the puncture site of your arm with an antiseptic. Then, they wrap an elastic band around the upper arm to help the vein fill up with blood and, finally, insert a needle to collect the blood into an attached tube.

    The CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) Test measures the levels of CEA proteins in the blood. A normal CEA level is less than or equal to 5 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL).  Normal CEA levels indicate that you are in good health. 

    CEA levels in cancer patients return to normal in a few months after the removal of the cancer.

    Higher than normal CEA levels that increase with time indicate cancer. However, high CEA levels don’t always mean you have cancer. CEA levels also increase during pregnancy and due to chronic smoking. The rise in CEA levels is also because of other conditions, such as:

    • Breast cysts
    • Liver disease
    • Lung problem
    • Ulcers
    • Pancreatitis
    • Inflammatory bowel disease

    The CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) Test is not accurate in first-time diagnosing of cancer as CEA levels can increase due to various other health conditions, smoking, and pregnancy. This test also can not determine what kind of cancer you may have. The CEA test helps monitor the treatment of the patient and detect if the cancer is cured or has recurred.

    The CEA test is ordered for people who have been detected with cancer. This test helps study the treatment for certain types of cancer, such as rectum, colon, prostate, ovary, lung, thyroid, and liver. The CEA test detects the stage of the cancer, the size of the tumor, and where the cancer has spread.

    Your doctor will order the CEA test if you have been detected with cancer. These tests will be conducted regularly during your treatment to study how well the treatment is working. The CEA test will be ordered even after the successful removal of your cancer to check if the cancer has recurred.

    No. There are very few side effects of a CEA test. You might feel a slight pain or bruising at the puncture spot, but these symptoms and the pain go away shortly. Some patients might experience lightheadedness, excessive bleeding, or infection. But these risks are very rare. 

    Please visit Yashoda Hospitals to book an appointment with our medical experts or get a free second opinion on your health evaluations.