WHY CEA TEST IS DONE
Why CEA Test Is Done
CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) test is a blood test that measures the level of carcinoembryonic antigen in your blood. CEA is a protein that is produced by some types of cancer cells, including colon, breast, lung, and pancreas cancer.
Importance of CEA Test
The CEA test is typically used to:
- Monitor the effectiveness of cancer treatment: If you have been diagnosed with cancer, the CEA test can be used to monitor the effectiveness of your treatment. If the level of CEA in your blood decreases, it may be a sign that your treatment is working. If the level of CEA in your blood increases, it may be a sign that your cancer is not responding to treatment or that it is getting worse.
- Detect recurrence of cancer: If you have been treated for cancer, the CEA test can be used to detect recurrence of cancer. If the level of CEA in your blood starts to increase after treatment, it may be a sign that your cancer has come back.
- Diagnose cancer: In some cases, the CEA test can be used to diagnose cancer. However, the CEA test is not a definitive test for cancer. A positive CEA test result does not necessarily mean that you have cancer. A negative CEA test result does not necessarily mean that you do not have cancer.
How Is the CEA Test Done?
The CEA test is a simple blood test. A healthcare provider will draw a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm. The blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis.
What Are the Risks of the CEA Test?
The CEA test is a safe procedure. There are no known risks associated with the test.
What Do the Results Mean?
The results of the CEA test are typically reported in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). The normal range for CEA levels in the blood is less than 5 ng/mL.
A high CEA level may be a sign of cancer, but it is not a definitive diagnosis. A high CEA level can also be caused by other conditions, such as:
- Smoking
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Liver disease
- Pancreatitis
- Kidney disease
If you have a high CEA level, your healthcare provider will order other tests to confirm the diagnosis of cancer.
When Should I Get a CEA Test?
Your healthcare provider may recommend a CEA test if:
- You have been diagnosed with cancer
- You are being treated for cancer
- You have a history of cancer
- You have symptoms that may be related to cancer
Conclusion
The CEA test is a blood test that measures the level of carcinoembryonic antigen in your blood. The CEA test is used to monitor the effectiveness of cancer treatment, detect recurrence of cancer, and diagnose cancer. The CEA test is a safe procedure with no known risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the normal range for CEA levels in the blood?
The normal range for CEA levels in the blood is less than 5 ng/mL.
2. What are the symptoms of CEA-related cancer?
The symptoms of CEA-related cancer will vary depending on the type of cancer and the stage of the cancer. Some common symptoms of CEA-related cancer include fatigue, weight loss, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
3. How often should I get a CEA test?
The frequency of CEA testing will depend on your individual situation. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, your healthcare provider will recommend a schedule for CEA testing to monitor the effectiveness of your treatment and detect recurrence of cancer.
4. What are the risks of a CEA test?
The CEA test is a safe procedure with no known risks.
5. What should I do if I have a high CEA level?
If you have a high CEA level, your healthcare provider will order other tests to confirm the diagnosis of cancer. If cancer is diagnosed, your healthcare provider will recommend a treatment plan.
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