Elevated CEA

An increased serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) concentration above the reference range, reflecting increased production of this tumor-associated glycoprotein and primarily used as a biomarker for malignancy monitoring rather than as a standalone diagnostic test.

• Normal: 0-3 ng/mL

• Moderate elevation: 4-20 ng/mL

• Significant elevation: >20 ng/mL

Causes

• Malignancy

  • Colorectal cancer

  • Gastric cancer

  • Non-small cell lung cancer

  • Breast cancer

  • Thyroid cancers

• Benign conditions

  • Cigarette smoking

  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

  • Cirrhosis

  • Hepatitis

  • Pancreatitis

  • Pneumonia

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

  • Diabetes mellitus

  • Advanced age