CEA Levels: What Does a 5.6 Mean and Next Steps? - Internal Medicine

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Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a glycoprotein involved in cell adhesion, and it is often used as a tumor marker in clinical practice, particularly for adenocarcinomas, which are cancers that arise from glandular tissues. The normal range for CEA levels can vary slightly depending on the laboratory and the population being tested, but generally, a CEA level below 3 ng/mL is considered normal for non-smokers, while levels below 5 ng/mL are often accepted as normal for smokers. Your reported level of 5.6 ng/mL is above the typical threshold, which is why your healthcare provider has recommended a retest.

Elevated CEA levels can be indicative of several conditions, most notably various types of cancer, including colorectal, lung, breast, and pancreatic cancers. However, it is important to note that CEA is not exclusively a cancer marker; elevated levels can also occur in benign conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, and even in smokers. Therefore, a single elevated CEA level does not definitively indicate cancer, but it does warrant further investigation.

In your case, since your CEA level is 5.6 ng/mL, it is advisable to follow your doctor's recommendation for a retest. Typically, this would involve another blood draw to measure the CEA levels again. It is often recommended to wait a few weeks to a few months before retesting to see if the levels change over time. If the CEA levels continue to rise or remain elevated, further diagnostic imaging or tests may be warranted to investigate potential underlying causes.

In addition to retesting CEA, your healthcare provider may suggest additional tests based on your clinical history and symptoms. These could include imaging studies such as a CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound, depending on the suspected area of concern. If there are specific symptoms present, such as unexplained weight loss, changes in bowel habits, or abdominal pain, these should be discussed with your physician as they may influence the urgency and type of further testing.

It is also essential to consider your personal and family medical history. If you have a family history of cancers, particularly those associated with elevated CEA levels, your healthcare provider may recommend more frequent monitoring or additional screening tests, such as colonoscopy for colorectal cancer, especially if you are over the age of 50 or have other risk factors.

In summary, a CEA level of 5.6 ng/mL is above the normal range, and it is prudent to follow up with your healthcare provider for retesting and possibly further evaluation. Elevated CEA levels can be due to a variety of factors, and a comprehensive approach that includes retesting and possibly imaging studies will help clarify the situation. Always communicate openly with your healthcare provider about any concerns or symptoms you may have, as this will aid in the appropriate management of your health.