Putting a blood sample for analysis, it is always interesting to know what the mysterious combinations of letters and numbers indicate. Therefore, let's talk about what it means to test blood on CEA, when it is prescribed and how the indicators are deciphered.
Blood test for CEA
REA is a cancer embryonic antigen, a kind of protein produced by the internal organs of a healthy person in an insignificant amount. Why this compound is specifically needed for an adult person, remains a mystery for medicine. It is known that during the embryonic development this compound stimulates cell growth.
The blood test for the cancer marker REA is indicated in case of suspected oncology. In particular, a significant increase in protein compounds is noted in the presence of colon cancer. However, even with an increased concentration of the oncomarker, it is not necessary to sound an alarm. Often the cause of the overestimated indicator is the presence of a benign neoplasm or inflammatory process. It is proved that inflammation of the pancreas can increase the index by 20-50%. The use of alcohol-containing beverages and smoking can significantly influence the result of the analysis.
Nevertheless, the CEA indicator in the blood is used for the early diagnosis of malignant oncology. When the cells are mutated, the concentration of the antigen does not increase dramatically, but slowly and constantly increases, which makes it possible to distinguish the malignant tumor from inflammation. In addition to cancer of the thick intestine, CEA helps to identify cancer processes in the following organs, such as:
- stomach;
- breast:
- lungs:
- pancreas;
- ovaries;
- prostate.
Also, by determining the concentration of cancer embryonic antigen, the development of metastases in bone tissue and liver is often monitored.
Blood on REA is handed over not only for diagnostics. During the treatment of cancer, the procedure helps to monitor. Decreased antigen levels may indicate successful therapy. Even after the healing of cancer, patients are advised to periodically examine the blood, since an overestimated indicator of the oncomarker allows the timely detection of relapses of pathology.
Explanation of the analysis
Is it possible to determine by decoding the result obtained that a blood test on CEA means a norm? In this case, you should focus on the average indicators:
- for a person who smokes, the norm is 0-5.5 ng / ml;
- for non-smokers - 0-3.8 ng / ml.
At the same time, it is worth remembering that the blood test for the CEA oncomarker does not show a 100% result. An overestimated antigen concentration only indicates an increased risk of oncology. If you suspect a disease, you need to undergo a thorough diagnosis. Also, a low concentration of antigen can give an incorrect picture if the laboratory test is insensitive to a certain type of malignant formation.
To improve the accuracy of the analysis, it is recommended:
- Before taking a blood sample for 8 hours, do not eat.
- It is advisable for smokers to forget about a bad habit within the next 24 hours.
- For half an hour before taking blood to exclude physical activity, as well as emotional experiences.
Knowing what the blood shows on CEA, you should not make your own diagnosis. Firstly, different clinics can produce completely different results, since several methods are used to determine the antigen. Secondly, the risk of oncology does not mean the presence of the disease. Therefore, you need to listen to the opinion of the doctor, who, if necessary, will assign an additional study to other oncomarkers .