CA 19.9
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CA 19-9 is a glycoprotein (sugar-coated protein) that is produced in pancreatic and biliary ductal cells and is released into the blood
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🧪 CA 19-9 – Cancer Antigen 19-9
Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
Full Name | Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) |
Sample Type | Blood (serum) |
Fasting Required | ❌ Not required |
Test Category | Tumor marker |
Organs Involved | Pancreas, biliary system, liver, stomach, colon |
Clinical Utility | Monitoring and support in diagnosis of pancreatic and gastrointestinal cancers |
🔍 What is CA 19-9?
CA 19-9 is a glycoprotein (sugar-coated protein) that is produced in pancreatic and biliary ductal cells and is released into the blood. It is not specific enough to be used for cancer diagnosis alone, but it is very useful in monitoring known cancers, especially:
- Pancreatic cancer
- Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer)
- Colorectal, stomach, liver cancers
📈 Normal & Elevated Levels
CA 19-9 Level (U/mL) | Interpretation |
|---|---|
<37 U/mL | ✅ Normal |
38–100 U/mL | May indicate benign conditions |
>100 U/mL | Suggestive of malignancy, especially pancreas |
>1000 U/mL | Usually indicates advanced cancer or metastasis |
Note: ~5–10% of people (especially those lacking Lewis antigen) cannot produce CA 19-9, even if they have cancer.
🧫 When is CA 19-9 Ordered?
Use Case | Purpose |
|---|---|
🧪 Monitor pancreatic cancer | Track response to chemotherapy or surgery |
🧬 Check for recurrence | Rising levels may indicate relapse |
🩺 Support diagnosis | Along with imaging and biopsy for suspected GI cancers |
❗ Evaluate obstructive jaundice | Elevated in both benign (e.g. stones) and malignant causes |
🔁 Tests Often Ordered With CA 19-9
Test | Why? |
|---|---|
CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) | Broader GI cancer marker |
Liver Function Tests (LFTs) | Rule out liver/bile duct diseases that can falsely elevate CA 19-9 |
Imaging (CT/MRI/PET) | Identify tumors or metastases |
Pancreatic enzymes (Amylase, Lipase) | In case of pancreatic inflammation |
CA 125 / CA 15-3 / AFP | If broader cancer screening is being done |
📋 Benign Conditions That Can Elevate CA 19-9
Condition | Explanation |
|---|---|
Pancreatitis | Inflammation of the pancreas |
Liver cirrhosis or hepatitis | Impaired clearance of CA 19-9 |
Cholangitis / Gallstones | Obstruction and bile duct inflammation |
Cystic fibrosis | Associated with abnormal glycoprotein metabolism |
🧾 Summary Table
Test | CA 19-9 (Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9) |
|---|---|
Sample Type | Blood (serum) |
Fasting Required | No |
Normal Range | 0–37 U/mL |
High Values Indicate | Possible GI or pancreatic malignancy, or biliary obstruction |
Paired Tests | CEA, LFT, CT/MRI abdomen, Amylase/Lipase |
Not for Screening | Used for monitoring, not initial cancer diagnosis |
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