CEA
Pronunciation: C-E-A
Also written as: CEA — carcinoembryonic antigen
A tumor marker protein commonly elevated in colorectal and other gastrointestinal cancers.
Full Definition
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a glycoprotein normally present during fetal development but elevated in various malignancies, particularly colorectal cancer. CEA levels are measured in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) and serve as both a prognostic indicator and monitoring tool for treatment response and disease recurrence. Editorial attention is required for proper unit notation and reference range specifications in laboratory reports and clinical documentation.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize all letters; ensure units (ng/mL) are properly formatted with forward slash.
In Context
- "Preoperative CEA levels were markedly elevated at 45 ng/mL." — Surgical consultation note
- "Serial CEA monitoring showed a progressive decline following chemotherapy." — Oncology follow-up report