What does a cancer antigen 19-9 test for?
CA 19-9 is a type of tumor marker. Tumor markers are substances made by cancer cells or by normal cells in response to cancer in the body. Healthy people can have small amounts of CA 19-9 in their blood. High levels of CA 19-9 are often a sign of pancreatic cancer.
What is a good cancer antigen number?
Normal range: < 2.5 ng/ml. Normal range may vary somewhat depending on the brand of assay used. Levels > 10 ng/ml suggest extensive disease and levels > 20 ng/ml suggest metastatic disease.
What is a high cancer marker?
A high level of a tumor marker may be a sign of cancer or certain benign (noncancerous) conditions. A tumor marker test is usually done with other tests, such as biopsies, to help diagnose some types of cancer.
What can cause a high CA 19-9?
A high amount of CA 19-9 is most often caused by pancreatic cancer. But it can also be caused by other types of cancer. And it can be caused by infections in your liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Antigens like CA 19-9 that give information about cancer are called tumor markers.
What is a high tumor marker?
High tumor marker levels can be a sign of cancer. Along with other tests, tumor marker tests can help doctors diagnose specific types of cancer and plan treatment. Tumor marker tests are most commonly used to do the following: Learn if a person has cancer.
What is normal cancer marker?
Tumor marker levels may be higher when there is cancer in the body….Guide to Tumor Markers Used in Cancer.
| Tumor Marker | |
|---|---|
| Blood test (blood serum marker), except where noted. | |
| “Normal” Results | < 37 U/ml is normal > 120 U/ml is generally caused by tumor |
| CA 125 Cancer Antigen 125 or Carbohydrate Antigen 125 |
Does CA 19-9 fluctuate?
The CA 19-9 level of the patient decreased from 120 U/mL pre-operation to 89 U/mL after resection. Upon receiving chemotherapy, his CA 19-9 level was fluctuating without significant clinical symptoms.
Can you live without a pancreas?
Yes, you can live without a pancreas. You’ll need to make a few adjustments to your life, though. Your pancreas makes substances that control your blood sugar and help your body digest foods. After surgery, you’ll have to take medicines to handle these functions.
What do cancer antigen numbers mean?
A cancer antigen number is also called a tumor marker. It is a number that indicates the amount of cancer antigen in the body. A cancer antigen is a protein made by cancer cells. Different types of cancer can make different types of antigens.