CA19.9

Also known as Pancreatic Cancer Marker, Cancer Antigen-GI

₹999~~₹1250~~ 20% Off

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

No special preparation required
Provide brief clinical history/ doctor's prescription at the time of sample collection

Understanding CA19.9

What is CA19.9?

This test measures the amount of a protein called CA 19-9 (cancer antigen19-9), a type of tumor marker in the blood. This test is primarily used in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer as well as during the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Healthy people can have small amounts of CA 19-9 in their blood. The levels of CA 19-9 are found to be elevated in other cancers as well, such as gallbladder and cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer), colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, gastric cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer.

Sometimes elevated levels of CA 19-9 might also indicate inflammation of the pancreas, cirrhosis, gallstones and thyroid disease.

What is CA19.9 used for?

The CA 19-9 test is done during the treatment of pancreatic cancer. However, it can also be done following the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

What does CA19.9 measure?

CA 19-9 test measures the levels of CA 19-9 in the blood. CA 19-9 is a protein that exists on the surface of certain cancer cells and does not cause cancer. CA 19-9 is shed by the tumor cells.

CA 19-9 can be measured in the blood which makes this test very helpful as a tumor marker. It is useful to follow the course of cancer. Its levels get raised in about 70% - 95% of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.

The levels of CA 19-9 are found to be elevated in other cancers such as gallbladder and cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer), colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, gastric cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, obstruction of bile duct, inflammation of the pancreas, cystic fibrosis, disease of thyroid, and disease of the liver.

In healthy people, CA 19-9 is found in small amounts in the blood. CA 19-9 cannot be used by itself for screening or diagnosis as it is not specific for pancreatic cancer.

Interpreting CA19.9 results

Interpretations

Disease	%age positivity of CA 19-9
Pancreatic cancer	80
Hepatobiliary cancer	67
Gastric cancer	40 - 50
Hepatocellular cancer	30 - 50
Colorectal cancer	30
Breast cancer	15
Pancreatitis	10 - 20
Benign gastrointestinal diseases	10 - 20

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about CA19.9

Frequently Asked Questions about CA19.9

Q. How is the blood sample taken?

The healthcare provider takes a blood sample from the arm. The site from where the blood is to be withdrawn is cleaned with a swab of rubbing alcohol. This is then followed by inserting a small needle which has a tube attached to it for collecting blood. Once the sufficient blood for analysis is withdrawn, the needle is removed. The site is then covered with a gauze pad.

Q. Is there any risk associated with the withdrawal of blood sample procedure?

As such there is no risk but in few cases, bruising, bleeding, and infection at the puncture site can be seen. In very few cases, there can be swelling of the vein after the blood is withdrawn.

Q. What are the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer?

The signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer include abdominal pain, back pain, nausea, loss of appetite, jaundice, and unexplained weight loss. In the later stages of pancreatic cancer, additional signs and symptoms can be observed which include chronic pain, vomiting, malabsorption, and in very few cases there can be a problem with control of blood glucose.

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