Carcinoembrionary antigen: what it’s for and reference values
Carcinoembrionary antigen or CEA is a protein produced at the beginning of fetal life and during rapid cell multiplication in the digestive system, primarily, and can then be used as a marker of colorectal cancer.However, people without gastrointestinal abnormalities or smokers may have increased concentrations of this protein, so additional tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis of the tumor.
- Carcinoembrionary examination is most commonly used to follow the patient being treated for colorectal cancer.
- With normalization of the concentration of this protein observed after approximately 6 weeks after surgery.
- For example.
- This protein can also be increased in people with changes in the pancreas.
- Liver and even breast.
- Which indicates breast dysplasia.
- Learn more about breast dysplasia.
The reference value of the carcinoembry embryonic examination varies by laboratory, so it is recommended that the antigen assay should always be performed in the same laboratory to allow a more accurate interpretation of the patient’s examination and clinical status.. The reference values are usually:
The blood concentration may be slightly increased in people without malignant change, for example, when the value is 5 times higher than the reference value, this may indicate cancer with possible metastasis, so it is important to measure and evaluate other tumor markers, in addition to the whole blood formula and biochemical tests to complete the diagnosis. Find out what tests find cancer.
Carcinoembryronary antigen is usually requested to assist in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer, however, due to its low specificity, more tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis, with the CET being used most to monitor the patient after the operation and verify the response to chemotherapy.treatment, for example. Know the symptoms of bowel cancer.
In addition to being indicative of gastrointestinal cancer, its concentration may also increase in other situations, such as:
Due to the different situations in which carcinoembrionary may be raised, further testing is recommended so that the diagnosis can be performed correctly.