Carcinoembryonic Antigen Unit Converter

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a glycoprotein that belongs to a family of cell adhesion molecules. It is normally produced during fetal development in the gastrointestinal tract, but levels become very low or undetectable after birth.

CEA is classified as a tumor marker because certain cancers can cause elevated levels in the blood. However, it is not specific to any single cancer type and can also be elevated in various non-cancerous conditions.

Healthcare providers primarily use CEA testing to monitor cancer treatment response and detect recurrence, rather than for initial cancer diagnosis or screening.

CEA is produced during fetal development in the gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach, intestines, pancreas, and liver. In healthy adults, very small amounts may remain in colon tissue. The liver is the primary site for CEA metabolism and clearance from the blood.