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Cancer Glossary: Definitions & Phonetic Pronunciations

c

carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) [car-sin-o-em-bre-ON-ic an-tuh-jin]

A substance normally found in certain fetal tissues. If found in an adult, it may suggest that a cancer, especially one starting in the digestive system, may be present. Tests for this substance may help doctors find out if a colorectal cancer has come back after treatment.