Carcino Embryonic Antigen - CEA

which can be produced in large quantities by the cells of many cancers: colorectal, thyroid, lung, breast, liver, pancreas, stomach and ovaries.

Consequently, CEA is used as a marker for the initial typing of the neoplastic process and to monitor the onset of relapses.
The search for carcinoembryonic antigen can also be prescribed by the doctor to exclude the presence of diseases of the abdominal organs, which could constitute a contraindication to the intake of certain drugs (such as, for example, anticoagulants).
The value of the carcinoembryonic antigen is higher in the presence of widespread neoplastic pathologies. However, it should be borne in mind that the value can also increase due to non-tumor diseases, such as hepatitis, intestinal polyposis, colitis, emphysema and pneumonia. Furthermore, in smokers , this parameter is usually higher than for non-smokers.

approximate molecular of 210,000 daltons. It is produced mainly by fetal cells of the digestive tract, liver and pancreas, during the first two trimesters of gestation, while after birth it is much reduced.

It has also been seen that the carcinoembryonic antigen manifests a different molecular specificity, therefore immunological, depending on the tissues in which it is synthesized, due to variations in the carbohydrate component of the molecule.
More than a "single macromolecule, we are therefore talking about a pool of heterogeneous molecules.
In adults, very small amounts of carcino-embryonic antigen are secreted by the cells of the colon, lung parenchyma and breast tissue during lactation. Its particularly low blood rate increases in numerous conditions, both neoplastic and non-neoplastic.

to the colorectal.

It is mainly used to identify early possible relapses (i.e. parts of the neoplasm that have recurred after a first treatment or surgery) and the presence of metastases.

In particular, the determination of the CEA is indicated in the following cases:

• Colorectal cancer tumor progression monitoring;
• Differential diagnosis of hepatic neoplasms;
• Post-operative control and determination of metastases and relapses of breast and lung cancer.

However, the carcino-embryo antigen test is not useful as a screening test.
However, it should be considered that its blood level can also increase in many chronic non-neoplastic diseases.
Increases in its value can be found in the course of:

• Liver disease (including alcoholic cirrhosis);
• Pancreatitis;
• Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases;
• Diverticulitis;
• Polyposis of the colon;
• Pneumopathies;
• Chronic renal failure.

The CEA also increases moderately with age.

of neoplastic cells in patients with colon adenocarcinoma.

Normal plasma CEA concentration ranges from 0 to 2.5 - 3 ng / mL.

(70-90% of patients with malignant neoplasms of the large intestine), also in various other malignant and benign pathologies.