A CEA value greater than what threshold is typically associated with malignancy?

A CEA value greater than what threshold is typically associated with malignancy?

• A. Greater than 5 ng/mL
• B. Greater than 12 ng/mL
• C. Greater than 20 ng/mL
• D. Greater than 40 ng/mL

Answer: (B)

CEA, or carcinoembryonic antigen, is a tumor marker used mainly in colorectal cancer to help assess disease burden and monitor response to treatment. The usual upper limit of normal is about 5 ng/mL in non-smokers, and smoking can raise baseline levels somewhat. Values higher than about 12 ng/mL are more strongly associated with the presence of malignancy or disease progression than smaller elevations, so this threshold is often used to prompt further evaluation. It’s important to remember that CEA is not specific: benign conditions (like inflammation or smoking) can raise levels, and some cancers may not produce much CEA. Use CEA as part of the overall clinical picture, alongside imaging and other tests.

CEA, or carcinoembryonic antigen, is a tumor marker used mainly in colorectal cancer to help assess disease burden and monitor response to treatment. The usual upper limit of normal is about 5 ng/mL in non-smokers, and smoking can raise baseline levels somewhat. Values higher than about 12 ng/mL are more strongly associated with the presence of malignancy or disease progression than smaller elevations, so this threshold is often used to prompt further evaluation. It’s important to remember that CEA is not specific: benign conditions (like inflammation or smoking) can raise levels, and some cancers may not produce much CEA. Use CEA as part of the overall clinical picture, alongside imaging and other tests.