Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
05:52
Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping and Biopsy for Endometrial Cancer at Early Stage with Laparoscopy
Published on: August 19, 2021
Carcinoembryonic antigen screening: how far should we go?
1Department of Colorectal Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore 169608.
Singapore Medical Journal
|September 30, 2009
Summary
Investigating asymptomatic patients with elevated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels is crucial. Further investigation and follow-up can detect significant pathology, including cancers, in a notable percentage of these individuals.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) has limitations in screening due to low sensitivity and specificity.
- Despite limitations, CEA is utilized in health screening for asymptomatic individuals.
- The clinical utility of investigating elevated CEA in asymptomatic patients requires further evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the significance of elevated CEA in asymptomatic patients.
- To determine the prevalence of pathology associated with raised CEA.
- To guide the extent of investigation and follow-up for such patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of asymptomatic patients referred for elevated CEA.
- Inclusion criteria: no gastrointestinal symptoms, only indication for endoscopy was raised CEA.
- Analysis of endoscopic and radiological investigations for detected pathologies.
Main Results:
- 217 asymptomatic patients with elevated CEA were evaluated.
- 20 primary and 8 metastatic cancers were identified initially.
- Colorectal, stomach, lung, periampullary, and ovarian cancers were among malignancies detected.
- An additional 16 primary cancers (7.4%) were found during follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Asymptomatic patients with elevated CEA warrant endoscopic and radiological investigation.
- Investigation should target commonly associated cancers.
- Follow-up for at least two years is recommended due to potential for subsequent malignancy detection.
