CEA is a protein normally present at high levels in unborn babies but becomes very low or absent after birth.

In adults, elevated CEA levels may indicate cancers such as colorectal, pancreatic, lung, breast, thyroid, liver, or ovarian cancer.

The test is not used for cancer screening but rather for:

Monitoring cancer treatment response.

Detecting recurrence after treatment.

Assessing disease progression.

Non-cancer conditions like smoking, inflammation, liver disease, or infections can also cause elevated CEA levels

Analyte: Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) protein in blood serum.

Normal Range: Healthy adults usually have little to no detectable CEA.

High Levels May Indicate:

Colorectal cancer (most common use).

Other cancers: pancreas, lung, breast, ovary, thyroid, liver.

Clinical Use:

Helps doctors track how well cancer treatment is working.

Detects possible recurrence of cancer after surgery or therapy.

Provides supportive information alongside other diagnostic tests.