Info
CEA (Carcinoembryonic antigen)
Monitoring
What it means
A tumor marker normally produced during the development of the foetus, but which can reappear in high concentrations in some types of cancer, particularly colorectal cancer. Used for monitoring after treatment.
Related terms
The terms below often appear alongside this one. Each definition is right here, so you do not have to look elsewhere.
- CA-125
- A tumor marker specific to ovarian cancer. It is measured in the blood and is used to monitor how the disease responds to treatment and to detect a possible recurrence. Its level can also be raised in other, benign conditions.
- Cancer follow-up (surveillance)
- Regular follow-up of the patient after active treatment has ended. It includes clinical consultations, imaging investigations and tests, at intervals set by the doctor. The aim is the early detection of a recurrence.
- Cancer prevention
- The set of measures that reduce the risk of developing cancer: quitting smoking, a balanced diet, physical activity, limiting sun exposure and alcohol, HPV vaccination and taking part in screening programs.
Other terms in “Monitoring”
Glossary definitions are written for patients by the OncoDots team and go through internal medical review. They explain terms; they do not establish a diagnosis and do not recommend a treatment.