CEA stands for Carcinoembryonic Antigen. In the human body, CEA is a protein made by gastrointestinal cells.
Understanding CEA
During fetal development, CEA is produced in relatively high amounts. It plays a role in cell growth. However, after birth, the production of CEA significantly decreases.
CEA Levels
In healthy adults, the levels of CEA in the blood are typically very low.
CEA as a Tumor Marker
While present at low levels in healthy adults, the amount of CEA can increase in certain conditions. It is often increased in colorectal cancer (bowel cancer). Because of this association, CEA is considered a tumor marker of colon cancer and rectal cancer.
- Fetal Development: High production.
- Healthy Adults: Very low levels.
- Colorectal Cancer: Often elevated.
Important Note: Elevated CEA levels are not exclusively caused by cancer. Other conditions, such as smoking, inflammatory bowel disease, or certain benign tumors, can also lead to increased CEA. Therefore, CEA testing is usually used in conjunction with other diagnostic methods and is most commonly used to monitor patients with diagnosed colorectal cancer during and after treatment.
