CA 19-9

The CA 19-9 test by Access Medical Labs is a single-biomarker test that specifically measures the levels of CA 19-9 in the blood. 

CA 19-9 is a biomarker lab test that measures the levels of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 in the blood. It is primarily used as a tumor marker for certain types of cancer, especially pancreatic cancer. Elevated levels of CA 19-9 may indicate the presence of cancer or the progression of the disease.

What is CA 19-9?

CA 19-9, also known as carbohydrate antigen 19-9, is a tumor marker that is commonly used in the monitoring of certain types of cancer, particularly pancreatic cancer. It is helpful in supporting diagnosis with the use of other tests. It is a glycoprotein, which means it is composed of both protein and carbohydrate components.

Elevated levels of CA 19-9 in the blood can indicate the presence of certain cancers, including pancreatic, colorectal, stomach, bile duct, bladder, and ovarian cancers. However, it is important to note that CA 19-9 is not specific to cancer and can also be elevated in non-cancerous conditions such as pancreatitis, liver disease, and gallstones. Higher than normal levels can also sometimes be present in healthy individuals.

CA 19-9 is primarily used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests and imaging studies to help in the diagnosis and staging of cancer, as well as to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and detect any recurrence. Serial measurements of CA 19-9 levels over time can provide valuable information about the progression or regression of the disease.

CA 19-9 is not a definitive diagnostic test for cancer and should be interpreted in the context of the patient's clinical history, symptoms, and other diagnostic findings. A healthcare provider or functional medicine expert should be consulted for proper interpretation and guidance regarding CA 19-9 testing.

Who should get a CA 19-9 test?

CA 19-9 is a tumor marker that is primarily used in the diagnosis and monitoring of pancreatic cancer. Therefore, ideal candidates for CA 19-9 testing would include:

Patients with suspected pancreatic cancer: CA 19-9 levels are often elevated in patients with pancreatic cancer. Testing can help in the diagnosis and staging of the disease.

Patients with a history of pancreatic cancer: CA 19-9 levels can be monitored over time to assess treatment response, detect recurrence, or evaluate disease progression.

Patients with symptoms suggestive of pancreatic cancer: Symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, jaundice, or digestive issues may warrant CA 19-9 testing to investigate the possibility of pancreatic cancer.

Patients with other types of gastrointestinal cancers: CA 19-9 levels can also be elevated in other gastrointestinal cancers, such as colorectal, gastric, or hepatobiliary cancers. Testing may be considered in these patients, especially if there is suspicion of metastasis to the pancreas.

It is important to note that CA 19-9 is not specific to pancreatic cancer and can be elevated in other conditions, such as liver disease, gallbladder disease, or benign pancreatic conditions. Therefore, the interpretation of CA 19-9 results should be done in conjunction with other clinical findings and imaging studies.

What is a normal CA 19-9 range?

CA 19-9 is a tumor marker commonly used in the diagnosis and monitoring of pancreatic cancer. However, it can also be elevated in other conditions such as liver, gallbladder, and gastrointestinal cancers.

The normal range for CA 19-9 can vary slightly depending on the laboratory and the specific testing method used. However, in general, a normal CA 19-9 level is considered to be less than 37 U/mL (units per milliliter).

CA 19-9 levels can be influenced by various factors, including age, gender, and certain medical conditions. Therefore, it is always recommended to interpret CA 19-9 results in conjunction with other clinical findings and imaging studies for a more accurate diagnosis.

What does high CA 19-9 indicate?

A high CA 19-9 level refers to an elevated concentration of the CA 19-9 antigen in the blood. CA 19-9 is a tumor marker that is commonly used to support diagnosis and monitoring of certain types of cancer, particularly pancreatic, colorectal, and gastric cancers.

When cancer cells are present in the body, they can produce and release certain substances, including tumor markers like CA 19-9, into the bloodstream. Therefore, an elevated CA 19-9 level can indicate the presence of cancer, especially in the pancreas, colon, or stomach.

However, it is important to note that a high CA 19-9 level is not specific to cancer and can also be seen in other conditions, such as pancreatitis, liver disease, gallbladder disease, and benign conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, some individuals may naturally have higher baseline levels of CA 19-9 without any underlying disease.

To determine the cause of a high CA 19-9 level, further diagnostic tests and evaluations are usually necessary. These may include imaging studies, such as CT scans or MRIs, biopsies, and additional blood tests. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional who can interpret the results in the context of the individual's medical history and other clinical findings.

What does low CA 19-9 indicate?

A low CA 19-9 level refers to a lower than normal concentration of CA 19-9 antigen in the blood. CA 19-9 is a tumor marker primarily associated with gastrointestinal cancers, particularly pancreatic cancer. However, it can also be elevated in other conditions like liver, gallbladder, and bile duct cancers.

A low CA 19-9 level may have several implications:

Absence of cancer: A low CA 19-9 level may indicate the absence of cancer or the presence of a cancer that does not produce CA 19-9. This can be a positive sign, especially if the test is being used for cancer screening or monitoring purposes.

Early-stage cancer: In some cases, a low CA 19-9 level can be seen in the early stages of cancer when the tumor is small and has not yet started producing significant amounts of CA 19-9. This highlights the importance of considering other diagnostic methods alongside CA 19-9 testing.

Non-gastrointestinal cancers: While CA 19-9 is primarily associated with gastrointestinal cancers, it can also be elevated in other types of cancer. Therefore, a low CA 19-9 level may suggest the absence of gastrointestinal cancer but does not rule out the presence of other types of cancer.

Non-cancerous conditions: CA 19-9 can also be elevated in non-cancerous conditions such as pancreatitis, liver disease, and gallbladder disease. A low CA 19-9 level may indicate the absence of these conditions or a lesser degree of their severity.

CA 19-9 is not a definitive diagnostic tool for cancer. It should be used in conjunction with other clinical and diagnostic methods to provide a comprehensive evaluation of a patient's condition. Consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial for proper interpretation of CA 19-9 test results.