Ca 19-9, Serum

CA 19-9 is a tumor marker, a substance found in the blood that may be elevated in some types of cancers. It is primarily used to monitor conditions involving the pancreas, liver, and bile ducts. While it is not a diagnostic test for cancer, high levels of CA 19-9 may suggest the presence of cancer or other conditions, such as pancreatitis or liver disease.

CA 19-9 levels are often elevated in:

• Pancreatic Cancer: CA 19-9 is especially helpful in monitoring the treatment response and recurrence of pancreatic cancer.
• Gallbladder or Bile Duct Cancer: Elevated levels may indicate bile duct obstruction or other malignancies.
• Other Conditions: Elevated CA 19-9 can also be seen in non-cancerous conditions like pancreatitis, liver cirrhosis, or cystic fibrosis.

• Individuals with a history or symptoms of pancreatic, bile duct, or gallbladder cancer, including unexplained weight loss, jaundice, or abdominal pain.
• People who have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, for monitoring treatment efficacy or recurrence.
• Those who have chronic pancreatitis or liver disease, to evaluate disease progression.

While CA 19-9 is useful in monitoring and diagnosing certain cancers, its levels can also rise in benign conditions, which means it is not a definitive test for cancer on its own. It is usually used in conjunction with imaging studies or biopsy results.