The CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) Blood Test measures the level of CEA protein in your blood. CEA is known as a tumor marker because it may be elevated in certain cancers, especially colorectal cancer, and it can also rise in some non-cancer conditions.

CEA is most commonly used for monitoring — such as tracking response to treatment, detecting recurrence after therapy, and supporting follow-up for patients with known cancer. It is not typically used alone as a screening test for the general population.

At MCV Blood test (6565 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030), we provide accurate CEA testing with secure reporting so your physician can compare results over time and guide next steps.

CEA is valuable because the trend of CEA (rising or falling over time) can help doctors understand how cancer treatment is working and whether additional evaluation is needed.

In many patients, decreasing CEA after surgery or chemotherapy suggests a good response. Persistently high or rising CEA may prompt further investigation (imaging, colonoscopy, or additional tumor markers) based on your doctor’s judgment.

CEA levels can also be affected by smoking and certain benign conditions, so results must always be interpreted together with your medical history, imaging, and clinical findings.

Trend matters more than one number: Physicians focus on whether CEA is rising, stable, or falling over time. A single value can be influenced by lab method, smoking status, or temporary inflammation.

Rising CEA: May suggest disease progression or recurrence in a patient with a known cancer history, but confirmation typically requires imaging and clinical evaluation.

Normal CEA: Does not always rule out cancer. Some cancers do not produce CEA, and some patients with cancer may have normal values.

Non-cancer causes: Smoking, liver disease, pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and some infections can increase CEA. Your physician will interpret your result with context.