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HelpTest ID CEAPC Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA), Pancreatic Cyst Fluid
Useful For
When used in conjunction with imaging studies, cytology, and other pancreatic cyst fluid tumor markers:
-Distinguishing between mucinous and nonmucinous pancreatic cysts
-Determining the likely type of malignant pancreatic cyst
Method Name
Immunoenzymatic Assay
Reporting Name
CEA, Pancreatic CystSpecimen Type
Pancreatic Cyst FluidContainer/Tube: Plain, plastic, screw-top tube
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Forms: If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Oncology Test Request Form (T729) with the specimen
(http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/oncology-request-form.pdf)
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL (Samples <0.5 mL may be rejected)
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Pancreatic Cyst Fluid | Frozen (preferred) | 30 days |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
Clinical Information
Cystic lesions of the pancreas are of various types including:
-Benign cysts:
- Inflammatory cysts (pseudocysts)
- Serous cysts (serous cystadenoma)
-Mucinous cysts:
- Premalignant (mucinous cystadenoma)
- Malignant (cystadenocarcinoma, intrapapillary mucinous neoplasia)
The diagnosis of pancreatic cyst type is often difficult and may require correlating imaging studies with results of cytologic examination and tumor marker testing performed on cyst aspirates. Various tumor markers have been evaluated to distinguish nonmucinous, nonmalignant pancreatic cysts from mucinous cysts, which have a high likelihood of malignancy. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) has been found to be the most reliable tumor marker for identifying those pancreatic cysts that are likely mucinous. In cyst aspirates, CEA concentrations ≥200 ng/mL are highly suspicious for mucinous cysts. The greater the CEA concentration, the greater the likelihood that the mucinous cyst is malignant. However, CEA testing does not reliably distinguish between benign, premalignant, or malignant mucinous cysts. CEA test results should be correlated with the results of imaging studies, cytology, other cyst fluid tumor markers (ie, amylase and CA 19-9), and clinical findings for diagnosis.
Reference Values
An interpretive report will be provided.
Cautions
These test results should not be the sole basis for diagnosis. Test results should be always correlated with imaging and cytology.
This test does not distinguish between malignant and nonmalignant mucinous cysts.
This test should not be ordered for pancreatic fluid of noncyst origin (eg, pancreatic duct fluid; peripancreatic fluid) since reference values have not been established for this specimen type. Contact Mayo Medical Laboratories for ordering assistance.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday; Varies
Report Available
Same day/1 dayPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
82378