CEA test

Introduction

A carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA) test is used tocheck how well treatment is working in certain types of cancer, particularly colon cancer.

Carcinoembryonic antigens are harmful substances (usually proteins) that are produced bysome types ofcancer. In response to the antigens, thebody produces antibodies to help fight them.

A CEA testis often carried out after surgery to check carcinoembryonic antigen levels.

As well as being a useful marker in cases of colon cancer, CEA tests can also be used to assess other types of cancerincluding:

  • rectal cancer
  • lung cancer
  • breast cancer
  • liver cancer
  • pancreatic cancer
  • stomach cancer
  • ovarian cancer

at Lab Tests Online UK.



Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 28 Nov 2016