Carcino Embryonic Antigen near me in Allahabad
Understanding Carcino Embryonic Antigen in Allahabad
What is Carcino Embryonic Antigen in Allahabad?
A carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test is a blood test used to diagnose and manage certain types of cancers. The CEA test is used especially for cancers of the large intestine and rectum. CEA is a type of tumor marker which is found in the body. The CEA test is done to monitor cancer treatment. It acts as an indicator of the size of the present tumor and also helps to assist in cancer staging.
In addition to colon and rectal cancer, CEA testing may be done for the following types of cancers like breast, lungs, thyroid, and pancreatic cancer. CEA testing is not used for screening cancer in those who have no symptoms. It is also not used for cancer diagnosis because other noncancerous conditions can cause CEA levels to increase and not all cancers cause CEA levels to rise.
What does Carcino Embryonic Antigen measure?
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a protein that is present in certain tissues of a developing baby (fetus). By the time a baby is born, the levels of this protein drop very low, while in adults CEA is normally present at very low levels in the blood but may get elevated with certain types of cancer.
CEA is a tumor marker for colon cancer and a variety of other cancers like pancreas, breast, lung, ovarian, medullary thyroid, or other cancer. CEA can also be increased in some non-cancer-related conditions, such as inflammation, cirrhosis, peptic ulcer, ulcerative colitis, rectal polyps, emphysema, benign breast disease, and in smokers. Since it is non-specific and can increase in a variety of other conditions, it is not useful as a general cancer screening tool. However, it does help to evaluate and monitor response to cancer treatment. It also acts as an initial baseline test for CEA and then subsequent serial testing of CEA may be performed.