Can the presence of gallbladder cancer be confirmed by testing carcinoembryonic antigen?

Can carcinoembryonic antigen detect gallbladder cancer? This is a common question, and many people do not know the detection method for gallbladder cancer. Gallbladder cancer is a malignant tumor, and it is difficult to be diagnosed in the early stage because of its subtle symptoms. Therefore, it is particularly important to find a simple and accurate detection method.

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a protein molecule present in the human body, which is mainly found in tissues such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, colon and breast. Normally, the level of CEA is very low under normal circumstances. However, in certain circumstances, such as the occurrence of cancer, the level of CEA will increase significantly.

CEA testing is not the most commonly used method for early diagnosis of gallbladder cancer. This is because CEA levels are not always elevated in patients with gallbladder cancer. However, in some cases, elevated CEA levels may indicate the possibility of gallbladder cancer.

Scientific research shows that the increase in CEA is closely related to the size and course of the tumor. In the late stage of gallbladder cancer, the tumor volume increases and the level of CEA may increase significantly. Therefore, in some cases, by testing the CEA level, it is possible to preliminarily determine whether there is a possibility of gallbladder cancer.

However, it should be noted that elevated CEA is not only associated with gallbladder cancer. Other types of cancer, such as lung cancer, breast cancer, and colon cancer, can also cause elevated CEA levels. In addition, certain non-cancerous diseases, such as chronic cholecystitis, liver disease, and inflammatory bowel disease, may also affect CEA levels. Therefore, CEA is not very specific as a diagnostic marker for gallbladder cancer.

In summary, carcinoembryonic antigen can help us preliminarily determine whether there is a possibility of gallbladder cancer to a certain extent. However, due to its low specificity, a single CEA test cannot be used as the sole basis for diagnosing gallbladder cancer. Doctors usually combine clinical symptoms, physical examinations and other detection methods, such as ultrasound and CT scans, to make a comprehensive judgment.

Therefore, if you suspect that you may have gallbladder cancer, it is best to seek medical attention in a timely manner and use scientific testing methods and professional doctors for diagnosis and treatment so as to detect the disease early and receive effective treatment.