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The CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) test is a blood test used mainly to monitor certain types of cancers, especially colorectal cancer. It helps in checking how well treatment is working or if cancer has returned. The test cost can vary depending on the lab and city.
Knowing the normal range helps doctors assess the condition accurately. It is generally safe, with minor risks like a little pain or bruising where the blood is taken.
What is the CEA Test?
CEA test, or the full CEA test, is the Carcinoembryonic antigen test is a protein that is present in a developing baby's tissues. After delivery, CEA levels often drop drastically or decrease entirely. Very little or no CEA should be present in the bodies of healthy persons.
The CEA blood test levels and other bodily fluids are determined by this test. CEA is one kind of tumor marker.
Certain forms of malignancies may manifest as elevated CEA levels. These might include liver, lung, thyroid, ovary, cea blood test for prostate cancer, colon, and rectum malignancies. A number of non-cancerous diseases, including cirrhosis, non-cancerous breast disease, and emphysema, can also be indicated by high CEA levels.
A CEA test cannot diagnose cancer or even determine whether you have it. Therefore, the test is not utilised for cancer diagnosis or screening. However, if you've already received a cancer diagnosis, a CEA test can assist in tracking the success of your therapy and determine whether the illness has spread to other regions of your body.
Other names: Other names of this test are CEA assay, CEA blood test, carcinoembryonic antigen test
When is the CEA Test Needed?
A CEA test is needed if someone has already been diagnosed with cancer and the doctor is deciding on treatment. Prior to starting your therapy and then periodically after that, your doctor may do tests on you. This can enable your doctor to assess the efficacy of your treatment. After your therapy is over, you could also have a CEA test. The test can assist in determining whether cancer has returned.
How Should I Prepare for the CEA Test?
The CEA blood test does not require any special preparation. If it is there, then it will be informed by your doctor. Before a CSF or peritoneal fluid test, you might be requested to empty your bladder and bowels.
You could undergo testing many times while receiving cancer therapy. These findings could reveal:
- High CEA levels from the beginning This can indicate that the treatment is not working on your cancer.
- High CEA levels initially and then decreased This may imply that your therapy is having an effect.
- CEA levels first dropped but eventually rose This might indicate that your cancer has returned following treatment.
Speak with your healthcare professional if you have any queries regarding your results.
How is the CEA Test Performed?
Blood is often used to assess CEA. A medical expert will use a tiny needle to draw blood from a vein in your arm during a CEA blood test. A tiny amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial once the needle has been placed. The needle may hurt somewhat when it enters or exits your body. Usually, this only needs a few minutes.
Sometimes, fluid from the abdominal wall or spinal fluid is used to test for CEA. Your healthcare practitioner will use a tiny needle or syringe to draw a little sample of fluid for these tests. The fluids listed below might be examined:
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF): The spinal cord contains cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), a clear, colourless liquid.
- Peritoneal fluid: Your abdominal wall is lined with a fluid called peritoneal fluid.
- Pleural fluid: The fluid known as pleural fluid, which coats each lung's outside, is found inside the chest cavity.
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Important information about a CEA test
Not all malignancies generate CEA. Even though the findings of your CEA were normal, you can still have cancer. Additionally, elevated CEA levels may indicate a noncancerous medical problem. The CEA levels of smokers are frequently greater than average.
How Do I Understand My CEA Test Results?
The Carcinoembryonic antigen test results can give important insights into cancer diagnosis, treatment success, or recurrence.
Normal Results
- For non-smokers: The CEA test normal range is usually less than 2.5 ng/mL.
- For smokers: The range can be slightly higher, up to 5 ng/mL.
High CEA Levels
Monitoring Treatment
- If CEA levels decrease after treatment, it means the therapy is working.
- If the levels drop initially but later increase, it may indicate the cancer has returned.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects of the CEA Test?
The Carcinoembryonic antigen test is quite safe, but as with any procedure, there are minor risks depending on the sample taken:
Blood Test Risks
- A small pain or bruise might occur where the needle is inserted.
- Rarely, there could be some bleeding or infection.
Fluid Tests (CSF, peritoneal, or pleural fluid)
- You may feel slight discomfort during the procedure.
- Minor bleeding or a small risk of infection at the site of needle insertion is possible.
Even with these minor risks, the CEA test is a useful tool for monitoring cancer treatment and progress. Always consult your doctor if you have any concerns or questions about the procedure.
Why is the Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Test Done?
The CEA test is primarily done to help monitor certain types of cancers, especially colorectal cancer. It is used to check the effectiveness of cancer treatment or to see if the cancer has returned after treatment. In some cases, it may also help detect cancers of the lung, breast, pancreas, stomach, or ovaries.
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Get Second OpinionWho Should Take the Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Test?
- Individuals diagnosed with colorectal or other specific cancers, to monitor treatment.
- People with a family history of colorectal cancer or other related cancers.
- Patients who have completed cancer treatment and need regular monitoring for recurrence.
- Individuals showing symptoms like unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or changes in bowel habits.
What Type of Sample is Collected for the Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Test and How?
A blood sample is collected for this test. A healthcare provider inserts a small needle into a vein in your arm to draw blood. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
Are There Other Ways to Collect the Sample for the Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Test?
In rare cases, CEA levels may also be checked in other body fluids like pleural or peritoneal fluid if cancer has spread there. However, the standard and most common method is a simple blood test.
How Long Does the Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Test Take?
Blood sample collection usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes. The results are typically available within 12 to 24 hours, depending on the lab's processing time.
When Will I Get My Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Test Results?
You will generally receive your CEA test results within 12 to 24 hours. The reports are shared with you directly via WhatsApp or as a printed copy. After that, our doctor will help you understand the results and guide you on the next steps.
What Should I Do After Getting My Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Test Results?
Based on your results, your doctor may advise further tests, changes in treatment, or continued monitoring. If the levels are elevated, additional scans or investigations may be recommended to evaluate for active cancer or recurrence.
Is the Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Test Painful?
The test is nearly painless. You may feel a quick pinch or sting when the needle is inserted, but any discomfort is usually mild and temporary.
What are the Factors Affecting Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Test Cost?
The cost can vary based on:
- The location and type of diagnostic center.
- Whether the test is part of a cancer monitoring package.
- Quality of lab equipment and services.
- Additional consultation or sample collection charges.
How Much Does the Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Test Cost in India?
The average cost of a Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Test in India can vary depending on the hospital and the city.
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Frequently Asked Questions
CEA levels above 20 ng/mL may indicate cancer.
No, CEA doesn't always indicate cancer. Instead, it is used in patients who have already received a cancer diagnosis, most frequently colorectal cancer.
The CEA test is specifically used for rectum and large intestine malignancies. The findings of the test may also be used to assess the efficacy of cancer therapy.
The cost of the Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) test varies depending on the diagnostic lab, location, and additional services offered.
Yes, CEA increases with age in both smokers and nonsmokers.
CEA test is often requested as a "baseline" measurement before treatment. If the level is high, it can be used to monitor therapeutic response or recurrence.
People with stage II or III colon or rectal cancer should test for CEA every 3 to 6 months for 2 years and then every 6 months for 3 more years.
You get a CEA test at Medicover Hospitals, which offers a wide range of cancer screening tests with accurate and fast results.
