The records of 145 patients with colorectal carcinoma who had preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels measured were evaluated. Preoperative CEA levels were correlated with pathological stage and tumor locations. Increasing levels of CEA were found with advanced stage of disease. Metastatic tumors could be accurately predicted in large percentage of cases. Right-sided colon tumors had lower levels of CEA, compared to left-sided lesions.