CA 19-9
From Health Facts
CA 19-9 antigen is a tumor marker used in diagnosing patients with pancreatic or hepatobiliary cancer. It is also useful in evaluating response to treatment and surveillance. [1], [2]
Discussion
- CA 19-9 is a carbohydrate cell-surface antigen that exists on the surface of cancer cells.
- The presence of a pancreatic mass or biliary obstruction, along with greatly elevated CA 19-9 levels supports the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer
- CA 19-9 is not generally used as a screening test for pancreatic or hepatobiliary tumors due to its lack of sensitivity and specificity.
Patient Preparation
- No fasting required.
- Factors which can cause increased levels
- None noted
- Factors which can cause decreased levels
- None noted
Clinical Implications
High levels indicate: Pancreatic carcinoma
- Hepatobiliary carcinoma
- Pancreatitis
- Cholecystitis
- Cirrhosis
- Gastric cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Gallstones
- Lung cancer
Low levels indicate:
Associated Tests
- Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)
References
- ↑ Pagana Kathleen D, Pagana Timothy J (2006) Mosby's Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests, Mosby.
- ↑ Weatherby Dicken, Ferguson Scott (2002) Blood Chemistry and CBC Analysis: Clinical Laboratory Testing from a Functional Perspective, Bear Mountain.