Based on clinical guidelines, CEA levels should be measured every 3 to 6 months for a continuous period of 3 years.
This schedule is commonly recommended for monitoring patients, particularly following treatment for certain cancers where CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) serves as a tumor marker.
Recommended Monitoring Schedule
The provided reference outlines a specific timeframe for checking CEA levels:
- Frequency: Every 3 to 6 months.
- Duration: For a continuous period of 3 years.
This consistent monitoring helps healthcare professionals track changes in CEA levels over time, which can be an indicator of cancer recurrence or progression.
It's important to note that this schedule focuses specifically on blood tests for CEA levels. Imaging examinations, such as plain and contrast-enhanced scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis, follow a different, less frequent schedule, typically performed at least once every 12 months or at least once every 3 years. This highlights that different monitoring tools have distinct recommended frequencies.
Adhering to this schedule is a key component of follow-up care, allowing for early detection of potential issues.
