Carcinoembryonic Antigen: Beyond a Gastrointestinal Tumour Marker

Cureus 2026 Open access

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Authors: Aye Aye Tun, Chiaw Yuan Tan, Sumitro Kosasih, Fakhruddin Salim, Kian Chai Lim, Alice Moi Ling Yong, Heng Chong Vui
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.103182
Cited by: 0
References: 10

Abstract

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a widely used, non-specific tumour marker for gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies, particularly colorectal cancer (CRC). However, it can also be elevated in non-GI tumours and benign conditions, which are often overlooked. A 60-year-old, asymptomatic man was referred for assessment of GI malignancy. During a health screening check, he was found to have a markedly elevated CEA, 121.8 ng/mL (reference range:

Fields of Study & Subjects

Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Thyroid Disorders and Treatments

Publication details

Journal / source
Cureus
Volume
18
Issue
2
Pages
e103182–e103182
Publication date
7 February 2026
Language
EN