This test measures Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA), a protein normally produced during fetal development but elevated in certain cancers.
Diagnostic Value: Increased CEA levels may indicate colorectal, lung, pancreatic, or breast cancers. Smoking and inflammation can also cause mild elevation.
Clinical Significance: CEA is widely used to monitor cancer recurrence and evaluate the effectiveness of therapy, especially in colorectal cancer.
Symptom Correlation: Elevated levels may accompany fatigue, weight loss, or gastrointestinal symptoms depending on cancer location.
Because it provides a broad indicator of tumor presence and progression, CEA is one of the most established and versatile cancer biomarkers.