(car-sin-o-em-bre-ON-ic an-tuh-jin) : a substance normally found in fetal tissue. If found in an adult, it may suggest that a cancer, especially one starting in the digestive system, may be present. Tests for this substance may help in finding out if a colorectal cancer has recurred after treatment.
Glycoprotein molecule secreted in the digestive tract, originally thought to be an antigen in fetal digestive tract and cancerous tumor of the colon. CEA is now known to be present in non-cancerous and varieties of cancerous conditions, including cancers of colon, pancreas, stomach, lung and breast.
a glycoprotein secreted by normally developing fetal tissue during the first or second trimester, after birth, and in certain malignant and benign conditions
(car-SIH-no-em-bree-AH-nik ANN-teh-jin) Protein that is produced in high amounts in several types of cancer such as colorectal, lung, breast and pancreatic cancers. It is found on the surface of about 95 percent of colorectal cancer cells and is considered a tumor marker, or tumor-associated antigen, for colorectal cancer. Normal cells produce very little or no amounts of CEA.
a chemical in blood that may indicate the presence of certain cancers
Nonspecific (not specific to cancer) blood test used to follow women with metastatic breast cancer to help determine if treatment is working.
(ABBR: CEA) One of a class of antigens normally present in the fetus. Originally isolated from colon tumors, they were thought erroneously to be specific for those tumors. If the previously elevated CEA level returns to normal after surgery, removal of the colon tumor is thought to be complete.
A marker used to help diagnose some types of cancer. Can also be used to check whether the cancer may have recurred. CEA is not always a reliable test for cancer. The level goes up with other illnesses and does not go up in everyone with bowel cancer.
A protein marker in the blood that may be present with some cancers and other diseases; may be used in some cases of colorectal cancer to monitor response to treatment or disease recurrence.
a glycoprotein constituent of the glycocalyx of the embryonic endodermal epithelium, generally absent from adult cells with the exception of some carcinomas. It may also be detected in the serum of patients with colon cancer.
(CEA) A blood tumor marker.
Antigen present during embryonic development which normally disappears but reappears in malignant tissue.
A tumor marker, antigen found in blood of patients with colon cancer and some other diseases.
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a glycoprotein involved in cell adhesion. It is normally produced during fetal development, but the production of CEA stops before birth. Therefore, it is not usually present in the blood of healthy adults, although levels are raised in heavy smokers.