Glossary Term:

Title

carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)

Phonetic

<b>car</b>-sin-o-<b>em</b>-bre-<b>ON</b>-ic <b>an</b>-tuh-jin

Description

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.