APPLICATION: Useful to detect recurrence of colonic adenocarcinoma and breast carcinoma following resection. Not sufficiently specific or sensitive to be used as a screening test for malignant disease.
INTERPRETATION: Increasing levels in patients with a history of colorectal or breast adenocarcinoma suggest local recurrence of metastatic disease. Carcino embryonic antigen (CEA) may be increased in patients with other carcinomas (lung, liver, pancreas). Slight increases may be seen in smokers and in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
