آزمایش و تصویربرداری

What is the CEA test?

CEA test measures the amount of a protein called "carcinoembryonic antigen" in the blood. The level of this substance is high during the fetal period and usually remains low in adulthood, but it increases in some diseases. CEA is a "tumor marker" (a substance that is usually measured in blood, urine or body tissue, and an increase or change in its level can be related to the presence of some cancers or their process) and is mostly used to monitor the course of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment, rather than a definitive diagnosis. data-end="526" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">

Applications of CEA test

The doctor uses CEA test for various cases. prescribes, including:

• Evaluating the effectiveness of treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiation therapy;
• Diagnosing the return of cancer after a period of remission (cancer recurrence);
• Checking the growth or spread of cancer (metastatic cancer).

CEA test alone cannot detect the presence of cancer and is usually used for cancer screening. does not go The amount of CEA may increase in some non-cancerous diseases or even in smokers.

According to the type of cancer, the treatment stage and the body's response to treatment, the doctor may prescribe this test at regular intervals to check the treatment process or the possibility of the disease returning. Be sure to talk to your doctor. It may be necessary to temporarily stop taking drugs such as aspirin or supplements that increase bleeding.

How to do the CEA test Is it possible?

CEA test is usually performed on a blood sample. In this test, the doctor or nurse takes a small sample of your blood from one of the veins in your arm; then the level of CEA in the blood is checked in the laboratory.

In rare cases, the doctor may take a sample from fluid from other areas of the body, including:

• abdominal wall;
• chest;
• spine.

In these cases, sampling It is done using a needle or syringe and after local anesthesia. Your doctor may also recommend regular CEA tests to compare results over time. For example, you may have a CEA test every month during cancer treatment, and after recovery, the test will be done every three to six months.

If the sample is from body fluids, the conditions are slightly different, including:

• The lower back or chest area is prepared with local anesthesia;
• A needle or syringe is inserted;
• With help X-ray image, the needle is guided to the exact location;
• A sample of fluid is collected.

Blood test Usually less than five minutes long It kills and sampling body fluids takes up to 30 minutes. You can usually go home the same day.

What is the risk of CEA testing?

Blood tests, including CEA testing, are usually safe. are However, chest fluid sampling may have some risks, including:

• bleeding;
• infection;
• lung damage.

You may also experience side effects from the test, including:

• dizziness;
• headache;
• feeling lightheadedness;
• feeling of pain or bruising at the sampling site;
• blood loss;
• infection;
• In rare cases, damage to the bowel, bladder, or lungs may occur.

Most people do not experience side effects. Also, the doctor will talk to you about the possible risks before the test.

What do the different CEA values ​​in the test mean?

The doctor will review the results of the CEA test to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment, whether the cancer has spread or returned. Also, by comparing the test results over time, the course of the disease can be followed, so that a decrease in the CEA level usually means the effectiveness of the treatment, and an increase in the CEA level may indicate the progress of the disease or a lack of response to the treatment. The values of this substance may be different in different conditions, including:

• The normal value of CEA in non-smokers: usually between 0 and 3 ng/ml;
• The normal value of CEA in smokers: it may be normal up to 5 ng/ml.

High CEA in the test Blood

High CEA can have different meanings, including:

• Slight increase of CEA: the level between 3 and 10 ng/ml usually indicates a small and limited tumor and is associated with a low probability of cancer recurrence. This increase may also be due to non-cancerous diseases.
• High increase of CEA: the level between 10 and 20 ng/ml may be a sign of cancer in the early stages. Values ​​higher than 20 are usually a sign of cancer progression.

Results may vary in different laboratories; Therefore, it is better to consult your doctor about your test results.

Diseases associated with increased CEA

Non-cancerous diseases and various conditions may increase CEA levels, including:

• Gastritis and gastric ulcer;
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
• liver diseases such as cirrhosis, fatty liver or gallstones;
• diverticulitis;
• ovarian or appendix cysts;
• diabetes;
• autoimmune diseases or inflammatory;
• Inflammatory bowel diseases (such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis);
• hemorrhoids;
• types of pneumonia;
• smoking.

Role of CEA test in cancer diagnosis

After cancer diagnosis, the doctor cannot always see clear signs of cancer growth and must look for clues. One of the ways is to perform the carcinoembryonic antigen test, which measures the amount of a protein called CEA in the blood. The amount of this substance may be higher than normal in people with cancer. By examining the results of the CEA test, the doctor examines the rate of cancer growth and the effect of the treatment.

These results can have different meanings, including:

• If the CEA level remains high at the beginning and over time, it may indicate a lack of response to treatment;
• If it is high at the beginning but decreases after a while, it can be a sign of the effectiveness of the treatment;
• If the CEA level initially remains high If it is low and then increases, it may indicate the return of the cancer.

Increased CEA does not always mean the return or resistance of the cancer. CEA level may be high without cancer growth. If a high level of CEA is observed, several tests are performed to investigate its possible cause.

Since there are different methods for measuring CEA, it is better to use the same method in the next tests to compare the results more accurately. For example, if you have done a blood test, it is better for your next tests to be on a blood sample.

Limitations and important points of CEA test

Before performing CEA test It is better to know some points, including:

• CEA test is not used for screening or early diagnosis of cancer;
• This test does not have 100% sensitivity and specificity for a specific disease;
• Many non-cancerous diseases can increase CEA;
• On the other hand, all cancers increase CEA They don't.

You don't need special preparation for CEA test, but you need to inform the doctor about some things, including if:

• You smoke;
• You are pregnant;
• You take drugs like aspirin or other drugs that may increase bleeding.

Also, a complete list of drugs, Tell your doctor about the vitamins and supplements you take.

The Doctor's Last Word

The CEA test measures the amount of carcinoembryonic antigen in your blood. Although some cancers can increase CEA levels, an increase in CEA does not always mean cancer. These tests are not used to diagnose cancer, but if cancer has been diagnosed, the doctor may use them to guide or monitor treatment. If for any reason the doctor's explanation was not enough for you or you have any other questions, you can contact the professional team of Dr. Doctor. You can also use the doctor's home test service to perform CEA blood test.

Frequently Asked Questions