Geri

CA 19-9 is a tumor marker primarily associated with pancreatic cancer.

However, it lacks high specificity, so it is not recommended for cancer screening. The measured levels of this marker can vary significantly depending on the testing method, so follow-up tests should be conducted in the same laboratory using the same method.

A high CA 19-9 level is considered a poor prognostic indicator in patients with colorectal cancer.

Since CA 19-9 is excreted in bile, its levels can increase in cases of cholestasis (bile flow obstruction). A recurrence of pancreatic cancer is highly likely if CA 19-9 levels rise within 1–7 months after surgery.

  • Sample: Blood drawn from a vein.
  • Fasting for at least 4 hours before the test is required.
  • Monitoring disease progression
  • Early detection of metastases
  • Evaluating treatment effectiveness for pancreatic cancer

Causes of Increased CA 19-9 Levels

Oncological Conditions (Cancer-Related CA 19-9 Elevation):

  • Pancreatic cancer (70–100% of cases)
  • Bladder cancer
  • Liver and bile duct cancer
  • Stomach cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Ovarian and uterine cancer

Non-Cancerous Conditions (Benign CA 19-9 Elevation):

  • Acute and chronic hepatitis
  • Cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation)
  • Cystic fibrosis