It is sometimes referred to as a "flare response." Recognition that a rise in CEA may be temporary and due to therapy is significant.
CEA is an acronym for carcinoembryonic antigen. Doctors will test the blood for CEA levels if they suspect cancer or to see if cancer treatment is helping.
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) lab values measure the level of CEA protein in the blood, which can be an indicator of certain types of cancers, particularly colorectal cancer. Normal CEA levels are typically less than 5 ng/mL in non-smokers and slightly higher in smokers. Elevated CEA levels may suggest the presence of cancer or other conditions, but they are not definitive for diagnosis and require further investigation. It is important to interpret CEA levels in conjunction with clinical findings and other diagnostic tests.
The CEA test is not a screening test for cancer. It is not useful for detecting the presence of cancer. Many cancers do not produce an increased CEA level.
If this possibility is not taken into account, the patient may be unnecessarily discouraged. Further, treatment that is actually effective may be stopped or changed prematurely.
For example, only a small percentage of patients with colorectal cancers and rising CEA levels will benefit from another surgical exploration.
Elevated CEA levels can also be seen in conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, liver disease, and respiratory infections. Additionally, factors like smoking can also lead to increased CEA levels.
Hemorrhoids themselves typically do not cause an increase in carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels. CEA is a tumor marker often associated with certain cancers, particularly colorectal cancer, but it can also be elevated in non-cancerous conditions such as inflammatory diseases or smoking. If CEA levels are elevated, further investigation is warranted to determine the underlying cause. It's important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper assessment.
CEA = carcinoma embryonic antigen
Some noncancerous diseases, such as hepatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, and obstructive pulmonary disease, may cause an elevated CEA level.
CEA levels may be one of the criteria for determining whether the patient will benefit from more expensive studies, such as CT scan or MRI.
Melinda Cea is 5' 2".
CEA Cesta was created in 1965.