This is one of the "oncofetal proteins" which may circulate in the blood of patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma.

Conditions Causing Elevations of this Marker:

• cigarette smoking causes mild elevations
• some colorectal cancers cause an elevation and, if the level goes to normal after surgery, it may be a worthwhile marker to follow for a recurrence of the cancer
• hypothyroidism¹

Situations Wherein the Level is Not Elevated:

• even when extensive, some colorectal cancers fail to cause an elevation...it is useless to try to follow that type of case for a recurrence

Synonyms:

• CEA

References:

1. Aguiar-Bujanda D, et. al., "False Elevations...", The Breast J. 10(4):375-6, July/August 2004