Comparison of Carcinoembryonic Antigen Levels Among Degree of Differentiation and Colorectal Cancer’s Location in Medan

BACKGROUND: The most widely used tumour markers, especially in colorectal malignancy, is Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). AIM: This study was aimed to investigate CEA value among the degree of differentiation and tumour location. METHODS: A cross-sectional analytical study was used in this study on eighty consecutive patients with colorectal carcinoma (CRC) at Adam Malik General Hospital and Permata Bunda Hospital, Medan, Indonesia. All data were analysed using SPSS for Windows version 21. RESULTS: They were rectal cancer 49.4%, left-sided colon cancer 43.2% and right-sided colon cancer 6.2%. Histopathology findings were well-differentiated 40.7%, moderate differentiated 32.1% and poorly differentiated 25.9%. There were no correlations between CEA level and haemoglobin level, white blood cells count, and platelet count. There was no significant difference between CEA and location of the tumour (p = 0.70), although CEA level was significantly differenced among histopathology findings (p = 0.03). CEA levels were and associated with the degree of differentiation. CONCLUSION: CEA levels increased in well-differentiated colorectal carcinoma especially in rectal cancer.