CEA

Formal name: Carcinoembryonic Antigen

At a Glance

Why Get Tested?

To help determine whether cancer is present in the body, although it is not recommended as a general population screening test; to monitor cancer treatment, including response to therapy and recurrence; to help in staging of cancer

When to Get Tested?

When your doctor thinks your symptoms suggest the possibility of cancer; before starting cancer treatment as well as at intervals during and after therapy

Sample Required?

A blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm

This article was last reviewed on March 4, 2009. | This page was last modified on March 6, 2010.

The review date indicates when the article was last reviewed from beginning to end to ensure that it reflects the most current science. A review may not require any modifications to the article, so the two dates may not always agree.

The modified date indicates that one or more changes were made to the page. Such changes may or may not result from a full review of the page, so the two dates may not always agree.

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify.

We comply with the HONcode standard for
trustworthy health information.
Verify Compliance.

Produced by