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Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Test

Test Overview

The carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test measures the amount of this protein, Opens dialog that may appear in the blood of some people who have certain kinds of cancers, especially cancer of the large intestine (colon and rectal cancer, Opens dialog). It may also be present in people with cancer of the pancreas, breast, ovary, or lung.

CEA is normally produced during the development of a fetus, Opens dialog. The production of CEA stops before birth, and it usually is not present in the blood of healthy adults.

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Why It Is Done

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

 

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