CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen)

Term: CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen)Definition: A protein that can be measured in the blood and used as a tumor marker to help diagnose and monitor certain types of cancer, including those associated with asbestos exposure.Phonetic Pronunciation: (kar-sin-oh-EM-bree-ON-ik AN-tih-jen)Origin: The term "carcinoembryonic" comes from the Greek words "karkinos," meaning cancer, and "embryon," meaning embryo. The term "antigen" derives from the Latin "anti," meaning against, and the Greek "gen," meaning producer. CEA was first identified in the 1960s as a protein produced during fetal development that reappears in certain cancers.Significance in Asbestos Context: CEA levels can be elevated in individuals with asbestos-related cancers such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Monitoring CEA levels can help in the early detection and ongoing management of these diseases, which is crucial for patients exposed to asbestos.Example Sentence: "The oncologist ordered a CEA test to monitor the progression of the patient's asbestos-related lung cancer."Related Terms: Biomarker, Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, Tumor Marker, Asbestos ExposureNotes: - CEA levels can also be elevated in non-cancerous conditions, so results must be interpreted carefully. - CEA is not specific to asbestos-related cancers but can be a useful indicator when used in conjunction with other diagnostic tools. - Regular monitoring of CEA levels can aid in assessing the effectiveness of treatment for asbestos-related cancers.