CEA
Alternate Names : Carcinoembryonic Antigen
Definition This is a test that measures the amount of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in blood.
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Why is the Test Performed?
CEA is a protein that normally occurs in fetal gut tissue. After birth, detectable serum levels essentially disappear. However, CEA may increase in the presence of various disorders such as colon cancer.
This test may also be used to determine the responsiveness of cancer patients to treatment (to determine if cancer is spreading or going into remission).
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