Which serum marker, when elevated, is used both to monitor treatment response and to assess recurrence risk in colorectal carcinoma after curative resection?

• A CA 19-9
• B CA 125
• C AFP
• D CEA ✓

Explanation

Carcinoembryonic antigen is a glycoprotein expressed by colorectal adenocarcinomas; serial postoperative CEA measurements detect recurrence, often months earlier than imaging, though it is not suitable for primary screening because benign conditions and smokers also elevate it. CA 19-9 is the marker for pancreatic carcinoma, AFP for hepatocellular carcinoma and yolk sac tumours, and CA 125 for epithelial ovarian carcinoma.

Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 28th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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