What is CEA?
CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) is a tumor marker — a blood test sometimes used to monitor certain types of cancer, especially colon cancer.
It’s not a routine screening test and can be elevated due to non-cancerous reasons too.
✅ Your Situation Summary:
Age: 41 years, non-smoker
Alcohol: Occasional beer (1–2/week)
Last CEA: <0.5 ng/mL (Oct 2024)
Current CEA: 4.12 ng/mL (June 2025)
BP is now under control, weight loss achieved
Other reports are healthy
📌 Is 4.12 a Problem?
Normal CEA level for non-smokers: usually <3.0 ng/mL
Mild elevation like 4.12 is not always dangerous, especially without symptoms.
It can increase due to:
Recent infection or inflammation
Fatty
liver
Alcohol intake
Benign conditions (like ulcers, IBD)
Lab variation or fasting state not maintained
📆 What to Do Now?
Don’t panic — a mild rise alone doesn't confirm cancer.
Repeat the CEA test after 6–8 weeks — to see trend (rising/stable/falling).
If still high, your doctor may advise:
Ultrasound abdomen
CT scan (if needed)
Stool occult blood test
Colonoscopy (especially if family history of colon cancer)
👨⚕️ Which Doctor to Consult?
First, visit a General Physician.
Based on findings, they may refer you to:
Gastroenterologist (if GI tract issue suspected)
Oncologist (if trend continues rising or other signs show)
✅ Final Advice:
CEA of 4.12 is mildly elevated, and many non-cancerous causes exist.
Since you are non-smoker and asymptomatic, this does not mean cancer.
Keep monitoring under your doctor’s guidance.
📌 Reference: Harrison’s Manual of Medicine — Tumor markers like CEA have limited diagnostic value and must be interpreted in clinical context. Elevations can occur in benign conditions and should be followed over time.
MARK HELPFUL ☺️🙂👍