Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) • CEA is a highly glycosylated cell surface glycoprotein involved in intercellular adhesion • CEA is shed from the cell surface into the circulation and can be detected in serum. • It is thought that infiltrating tumor growth breaks down the normal barriers that usually prevent CEA from entering the circulation. Malignancies associated with elevated CEA levels - Over-expressed primarily by adenocarcinomas: Colon, Rectum, Breast, Lung Benign conditions associated with elevated CEA levels: Pulmonary emphysema, Bronchitis, Acute ulcerative colitis, Rectal polyps, Hepatitis, Alcoholic cirrhosis, Obstructive jaundice, Smokers, Renal disease #Carcinoembryonic #antigen #CEA #diagnosis #laboratory #oncology #differential #diagnosis
