Clinical significance of the preoperative plasma carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level in patients with carcinoma of the large bowel

Abstract

Preoperative levels of perchloric acid extractable plasma CEA [carcinoembryonic antigen] were measured in 911 patients with complaints of the digestive system. A final diagnosis of benign disease was made for 579 patients; 332 patients had cancer. Data for the preoperative CEA values were examined for clinical significance as an aide to diagnosis, preoperative disease staging, and prognosis. The CEA assay is not a clinically useful diagnostic test, but it shows limited value in preoperative staging and a somewhat stronger correlation with prognosis.