Colorectal cancer, Lung cancer, Breast cancer, Liver cancer.

 

In smokers, slightly higher values may be considered normal (0 to 5 ng/mL), which is an indicator of cancer or inflammatory conditions in non-smokers. A low level of CEA indicates that cancer has still not spread to other body parts. Higher values of CES (>20.0 ng/ml) indicate that cancer has metastasized, i.e., cancer has spread from its original place to other parts of the body. Some individuals can have CEA values very high (more than 100 ng/ml). This indicates that cancer has spread to the pleural cavity (a thin tissue layer that surrounds the lungs), peritoneal cavity (a layer of tissues that cover abdominal organs) and central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).

The CEA test results are based on the analysis of the blood samples. After collecting the blood sample, the laboratory processes the blood to obtain serum and the serum is used for detecting CEA. In some patients, fluid from the spine, abdomen or lungs, respectively, is used to detect CEA. Test Preparation The CEA test is a blood test that does not require fasting before the collection of the blood sample. Also, smoking may increase CEA levels, so it is advised not to smoke before the test is performed. The usual way to collect a blood sample is by drawing it from one of the veins. This vein is usually the most prominent one in the forearm of a person. The patient might feel a pricking sensation or pain while inserting the needle. The entire procedure takes not more than five minutes. Sometimes the doctors may collect fluid from other body areas such as cerebrospinal, peritoneal or pleural (i.e., from the spine, abdomen or lungs, respectively). Test inclusions: What parameters are included? The CEA test only checks the CEA levels in the blood to monitor the progression of cancers in the digestive tract, breast, lung, reproductive system, urinary system, head and neck, thyroid, lymphoma and melanoma. How frequently should you take this test? A single result for CEA levels is not enough to monitor patients’ condition. Therefore, the doctor will recommend patients for CEA tests before, during and after the treatment. CEA test is initially carried out when the patient’s symptoms point towards cancer. The doctor will advise their patients regularly to check if the cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation and/or surgery are working. Lastly, the doctors will suggest a CEA test post-treatment to check if the cancer has come back. The time gap between two CEA tests varies from patient to patient. For example, in patients with Stage 2 or 3 colon cancer, the doctor will recommend a CEA test every three months. Also, the patient will need to do this test up to three years post-surgery. However, if cancer has spread to other body parts, the doctor will recommend a CEA test every month. Price/Cost