CEA Test

The carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test measures the level of a specific protein, known as CEA, in your blood. This protein, which has sugars attached to it, can be produced by both normal and cancerous cells. Discovered in 1968, CEA was first identified in patients with colorectal cancer and in the normal fetal digestive system. While everyone is born with high levels of CEA, the levels naturally decrease with age. However, certain conditions, including cancer, can cause CEA levels to rise.

CEA is considered a tumor marker, a substance produced by some cancer cells that can be found in bodily fluids. While healthy cells also produce small amounts of these markers, high CEA levels may indicate the presence of certain types of cancer.

While the CEA test isn’t used to diagnose cancer, it provides valuable information for patients who have already been diagnosed. Your healthcare provider may recommend a CEA test to:

• Check if cancer has spread to other areas of your body.
• Monitor how well cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation are working.

You might undergo a CEA test at different stages of your cancer treatment:

• After diagnosis to establish a baseline.
• During treatment to assess the effectiveness of therapy.
• After completing treatment to monitor for any signs of cancer recurrence.

If you are in remission, your doctor may recommend regular CEA tests to detect any potential recurrence.

During a standard blood test, your healthcare provider will:

• Insert a small needle into a vein, usually in your arm.
• Collect a small blood sample in a vial or test tube.

If other fluids need to be tested, your provider will:

• Use local anesthesia to numb the area.
• Insert a needle to collect fluid from your lower back or chest.
• In some cases, they may use an X-ray to guide the needle for accurate placement.

The entire blood test process usually takes less than five minutes, while fluid tests may take around 30 minutes. Afterward, you can typically go home the same day.