A patient's carcinoembryonic antigen level was initially 16 ng/mL. The level is currently 6 ng/mL. The nurse realizes that this decreased level would indicate which of the following for the patient?

Question

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Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a tumor marker commonly used to monitor treatment of certain types of cancer, including colorectal, pancreatic, and lung cancer. A decreasing level of CEA indicates that the treatment is effective in controlling the cancer. A higher level of CEA could mean the cancer is spreading or coming back. However, a low CEA level does not necessarily mean the cancer is completely gone. It is important to follow up with other diagnostic tests and imaging studies.

A Patient's Carcinoembryonic Antigen Level Was Initially 16 Ng/mL