Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)

CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) Test

Results

The carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test measures the amount of this protein that may appear in the blood of some people who have certain kinds of cancers, especially large intestine (colon and rectal) cancer. It may also be present in people with cancer of the pancreas, breast, ovary, or lung.

Results are usually available in 1 to 3 days.

Normal

Normal values may vary from lab to lab.

Carcinoembryonic antigen

Nonsmokers:	Less than 3 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) or 3 micrograms per liter (mcg/L).
Smokers:	Less than 5 ng/mL (or 5 mcg/L)

Many conditions can change your CEA levels. Your doctor will discuss any significant abnormal results with you in relation to your symptoms and medical history.

Most cancers do not produce this protein, so your CEA may be normal even though you have cancer.

High values

• Cancer of the colon, lung, pancreas, breast, or ovary may be present.
• Cancer may not be responding to treatment.
• Cancer may have returned after treatment. A steadily rising CEA may be the first sign that cancer has come back after treatment. Also, people with advanced cancer or cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic cancer) may have high CEA levels if their original cancer produced this protein before treatment.
• Another condition or disease is present, such as cirrhosis, pancreatitis, kidney failure, inflammatory bowel disease, peptic ulcer disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or an obstructed bile duct.

Low values

• People with small cancers or early-stage disease usually have low, or even normal, CEA levels.

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Author:	Ralph Poore	Last Updated: April 30, 2007
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology
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