Individual test · Labcorp 480095

Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) (Serial Monitor)

This test measures the amount of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a protein in the blood that is often produced in higher amounts by certain tumors. It is primarily used to monitor patients who have already been diagnosed with cancer, such as colorectal cancer, to see if treatment is working or if the disease has returned. By tracking these levels over time, doctors can better determine if the cancer is shrinking or growing. However, this test cannot be used to diagnose cancer on its own or screen the general population, as smoking and other non-cancerous conditions can also cause elevated levels.