Carcinoembryonic antigen

CEA immunostaining in C-cell hyperplasia. (WC)

Carcinoembryonic antigen, abbreviated CEA, is set of glycoproteins present during fetal development and associated with the gastrointestinal tract.

In pathology, they are associated with gastrointestinal tract tumours; however, may be seen in other tumours.

Positive

• C-cell hyperplasia.
• Medullary thyroid carcinoma.
• Eccrine glands of the skin.

See also

• Immunohistochemistry.