AN OVERVIEW
About Carcino Embryonic Antigen Test
Why is the Carcino Embryonic Antigen (CEA) Test done?
The Carcino Embryonic Antigen (CEA) Test is especially useful in finding out certain kinds of cancers like Intestinal cancer or rectum cancer. If a doctor suspects the presence of CEA in the blood, he will order this test. It is also done to see the effectiveness of the ongoing cancer treatment. The antigen is made up of cancerous cells; therefore, the high level of CEA in the blood can indicate the presence of a cancerous tumour. However, your doctor may order more tests like a biopsy to form a conclusive diagnosis.
What does Carcino Embryonic Antigen (CEA) Test measure?
The Carcino Embryonic Antigen (CEA) Test measures the amount of CEA in the blood. A high level of CEA indicates the presence of a cancerous tumour in the body.
This test is also used in determining the effectiveness of treatment. If a cancer patient has a high level of CEA, it indicates that the treatment or surgery is not working or that cancer has spread to other parts.
The Carcino Embryonic Antigen (CEA) Test is also conducted to determine if the cancer is gone or reoccurs after the treatment is finished.
Risk/side effects of Carcino Embryonic Antigen (CEA) Test
The Carcino Embryonic Antigen (CEA) Test is done through a blood draw. As such, there are not many risks to this test. Patients may feel pain, bruising at the site of the blood draw, dizziness, and excessive bleeding. These side effects can resolve on their own.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs
Is only cancer the reason for increased CEA?
CEA levels may also increase because of smoking, so people who smoke must inform their doctor about the same.
Can this test be done at home?
This test can be done at home easily as it is done via a blood test. You need to book a home sample collection, and the technician will come and take the sample.
Will the results of a home test be accurate?
Yes, the results of a home test will be accurate. Whether the test is done at home or in a lab makes no difference. The only important thing is that the person conducting the test should be trained.
Do I need to prepare for this test?
There is no preparation required for the conduction of this test.
THINGS TO KNOW AFTER GETTING TESTED
Interpreting Carcino Embryonic Antigen (CEA) Test Results
Normally, adults should have negligible amounts of CEA in their blood. Normal levels of CEA are 3ng/mL in adults.
Higher levels of CEA in the blood would indicate the presence of a cancerous tumour. For patients who have undergone cancer treatment, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or a combination of three, it may take between one and four months for the CEA levels to come back down.
High levels of CEA even long after treatment indicate that the treatment has either not worked as expected or that cancer has spread to other organs.
CEA Test in Chandigarh
Starts from 320*
A Carcino Embryonic Antigen is a protein created in tissues around the time of birth. These reduce or disappear from our bodies as we grow. After that, CEA in the blood is taken as a tumour marker, which means that if your body has a certain kind of cancer, this substance would be present in your blood. The CEA Test in Chandigarh is used to determine the presence and amount of the Carcino Embryonic Antigen.
and then