Yes, gastritis can increase CEA levels.
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a protein that is often found in elevated levels in the blood of people with certain types of cancer, particularly cancers of the colon and rectum. However, it's important to understand that elevated CEA levels are not exclusively indicative of cancer.
Understanding CEA and Gastritis
CEA is a tumor marker, meaning it's a substance found in the body that might be produced by cancer cells or by normal cells in response to cancer. While widely used in monitoring patients with certain cancers, particularly colorectal cancer, it's also known that CEA levels can rise due to various non-cancerous conditions.
Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining. It can be acute (sudden) or chronic (long-term) and caused by various factors, including H. pylori infection, NSAID use, excessive alcohol consumption, and autoimmune issues.
The Link Between Gastritis and Increased CEA
Based on existing research, benign (non-cancerous) conditions can indeed lead to elevated CEA levels. As stated in the provided reference:
Serum CEA levels increase in some benign diseases such as gastritis, bronchitis and cirrhosis, and also in smokers [14].
This indicates that inflammation of the stomach lining, as is the case with gastritis, is one of the non-malignant conditions that can cause a rise in CEA levels in the blood serum.
Why This Is Important
Recognizing that conditions other than cancer can increase CEA levels is crucial for proper medical evaluation. A high CEA result, especially in someone with symptoms that could be related to gastritis or other benign diseases, necessitates further investigation to determine the exact cause.
Here are some factors mentioned in the reference that can increase CEA levels:
| Condition | Effect on CEA Levels |
|---|---|
| Gastritis | Increase |
| Bronchitis | Increase |
| Cirrhosis | Increase |
| Smoking | Increase |
It's essential that doctors consider the patient's full clinical picture, medical history, and other test results when interpreting CEA levels. Elevated CEA due to gastritis is typically lower than the levels seen in advanced cancers, but this is not always the case, and threshold levels can vary.
In summary, while CEA is associated with cancer, the presence of gastritis can be a reason for elevated CEA levels, as supported by medical literature. Therefore, a diagnosis of high CEA requires a thorough medical workup to rule out various possible causes, including benign conditions like gastritis.
