Conditions associated with tumor marker CA 19-9 increase serum levels

Conditions associated with increased serum levels of the tumor marker CA 19-9

Introduction

CA 19-9 is a protein found in the blood that can indicate certain cancers, especially pancreatic cancer. It’s considered a tumor marker, which means it’s produced by cancer cells or normal cells in response to cancer. While healthy individuals may have small amounts of CA 19-9, elevated levels often signal pancreatic cancer. However, high CA 19-9 can also occur in other cancers or non-cancerous conditions like gallstones or liver cirrhosis. The test isn’t used alone for diagnosis but helps monitor cancer and treatment effectiveness. If you’re undergoing cancer treatment or have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, your healthcare provider may use CA 19-9 tests to track progress and detect recurrence123.

Conditions associated with increased ca 19.9

Malignant

Pancreatic exocrine and neuroendocrine cancers

Biliary cancer (gallbladder, cholangiocarcinoma, ampullary cancers)

Hepatocellular cancer

Gastric, ovarian, colorectal cancer (less often)

Lung, breast, uterine cancer (rare)

Benign

Acute cholangitis

Cirrhosis and other cholestatic diseases (including gallstones)

CA 19-9: carbohydrate antigen 19-9.