What is the CEA test?

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the CEA test used for?

The CEA test is used to study cancers of the colon, rectum, prostate, ovary, and thyroid and plan appropriate treatment. It is used to determine if your cancer is cured or has recurred. This test also helps detect if the various cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, are being effective in treating the cancer.

Understanding the test results of the CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) test.

The CEA test results usually differ between labs. 

Normal CEA results fall below 5 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL).

Higher CEA results above 5 ng/mL might indicate cancer.

However, high CEA levels don’t always mean that you have cancer. Abnormal CEA levels could also be because of:

• Cirrhosis or Liver disease
• Lung problem
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Chronic smoking

Why do I need the CEA test?

You will require a CEA test if you have been detected with cancer. The doctor uses this test regularly during your treatment to monitor your condition and determine if the treatment is helping you. You will also need to undergo this test after completing your treatment to check if your cancer has relapsed.

What happens during the CEA test?

The CEA blood test is conducted at the pathology lab. During the test, the lab technician first cleans the puncture site of your arm with an antiseptic. Then, they wrap an elastic band around the upper arm to help the vein fill up with blood and, finally, insert a needle to collect the blood into an attached tube.

What is a normal CEA level?

The CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) Test measures the levels of CEA proteins in the blood. A normal CEA level is less than or equal to 5 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL).  Normal CEA levels indicate that you are in good health. 

CEA levels in cancer patients return to normal in a few months after the removal of the cancer.

What level of CEA indicates cancer?

Higher than normal CEA levels that increase with time indicate cancer. However, high CEA levels don’t always mean you have cancer. CEA levels also increase during pregnancy and due to chronic smoking. The rise in CEA levels is also because of other conditions, such as:

• Breast cysts
• Liver disease
• Lung problem
• Ulcers
• Pancreatitis
• Inflammatory bowel disease

How accurate is a CEA blood test?

The CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) Test is not accurate in first-time diagnosing of cancer as CEA levels can increase due to various other health conditions, smoking, and pregnancy. This test also can not determine what kind of cancer you may have. The CEA test helps monitor the treatment of the patient and detect if the cancer is cured or has recurred.

What does the CEA test detect?

The CEA test is ordered for people who have been detected with cancer. This test helps study the treatment for certain types of cancer, such as rectum, colon, prostate, ovary, lung, thyroid, and liver. The CEA test detects the stage of the cancer, the size of the tumor, and where the cancer has spread.

How often should the CEA test be done?

Your doctor will order the CEA test if you have been detected with cancer. These tests will be conducted regularly during your treatment to study how well the treatment is working. The CEA test will be ordered even after the successful removal of your cancer to check if the cancer has recurred.

Are there any risks to the test?

No. There are very few side effects of a CEA test. You might feel a slight pain or bruising at the puncture spot, but these symptoms and the pain go away shortly. Some patients might experience lightheadedness, excessive bleeding, or infection. But these risks are very rare. 

Please visit Yashoda Hospitals to book an appointment with our medical experts or get a free second opinion on your health evaluations.