What is a cea test used to diagnose?

Answer by  MedStudent01 (1131)

CEA is a test to measure baseline levels of an antigen called carcinoembryonic antigen. This is used as a tumor marker because some GI and endocrine cancers cause elevated levels of this antigen. This test itself is not useful for detecting occurence of a tumor, but rather it is used afer a surgery to detect reoccurence of a tumor.

Answer by  Buckdoc (92)

CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) can be elevated in certain cancers. Most commonly, this protein is elevated in colon cancer; however, it is not diagnostic of a specific cancer. Increased levels can also be with lung, pancreatic, breast, ovarian, or stomach cancer. Inflammatory conditions and smoking may also increase CEA.

Answer by  Ray93 (21)

Well, do you currently have any cancers, particularly colon cancer? CEA tests are primarily used to monitor cancer patients. The more tumors are spread throughout the body, the higher the CEA levels. After treatment, that number (hopefully) will decrease. A high CEA level, however, doesn't always mean cancer. It can indicate other things going on, too.

Answer by  bindhu12 (63)

CEA is used to diagonise the treatment of cancer patients especially those who suffer with colon cancer. CEA is also used as a marker for the other forms of cancer. A positive CEA test is not always due to cancer.

Answer by  SIDDHU (861)

CEA tests are used to diagnose cancer and sometimes doctors recommend CEA tests after surgery to find the recurrence of cancer if the patient already has.

Answer by  Kath (1537)

CEA or carcinembryonic antigen is a protein. A higher that normal amount of CEA may be a sign of cancer. A blood test is done to measure this protein. This test is just an indication and not the best way to diaganose cancer.

Answer by  cafish (2035)

This is used for people who have symptoms that could be cancer.It is also used in patients who have received treatment for cancer to monitor their prognosis.

Answer by  ntrakul (70)

CEA stands for carcioembryonic antigen. CEA has been found to be elevated in tumors of the GI tract, most commonly colon cancer