Cancer Antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9): Tumor Marker Test

What Level of CA 19-9 Indicates Cancer?

The type of cancer suspected and the patient's symptoms determine an extensive range of cancer tests available. Cancer antigen 19-9, or carbohydrate antigen 19-9, is a blood test that measures the level of cancer in the human body. In most cases, high levels of CA 19-9 often indicate a sign of pancreatic cancer. Let us explore the level of CA 19-9 that indicates cancer.

Does CA 19-9 test have other names?

Cancer antigen 19-9, CA 19-9 radioimmunoassay (RIA) test.

What is CA 19-9 Test?

This test seeks for antigen referred as cancer antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) in your blood stream. Antigens are substances that energising your body’s immune system. Few types of cancer cells transfer CA 19-9 into the blood, where it can be calculated through this test.

An elevated level of CA 19-9 is most frequently associated with pancreatic cancer however; it can be due to other types of cancer as well. Moreover, it can be caused by infections in your liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Antigens such as CA 19-9 that reveal information about cancer are referred as tumor markers. This test is not utilised as cancer screening test.

Why Do you need CA 19-9 test?

The CA 19-9 test is not used to screen for or diagnose cancer in people who are at risk or have symptoms. Its primary role is in managing patients who have already been diagnosed with a cancer known to produce CA 19-9, such as pancreatic cancer. Additionally, you may also need this test in case you are having cancer treatment. Doctor may ask you for this test every week in order to see how well treatment is going on.

Which CA 19-9 Level Denotes Cancer?

The CA 19-9 blood test measures the amount of a protein called CA 19-9 cancer antigen 19-9 in a sample of your blood. In reaction to cancer in your body, the CA 19-9 is a form of tumour marker. CA 19-9 levels higher than 37 U/mL may indicate cancer.

If you are undergoing treatment to cure the cancer, you have to be tested several times. Your provider will examine all of your test results to see how your CA 19-9 levels have changed. The test results may show:

• Your CA 19-9 Levels are Increasing : It shows that the tumour is growing, and your treatment will take more time. You need to undergo more tests to be certain.
• Your CA 19-9 Levels are Decreasing : It indicates that your treatment is working and the tumour is shrinking.
• Your CA 19-9 Levels Remain the Same : This shows that the cancer is stable and has not improved or worsened.
• Your CA 19-9 Levels Decreased After Treatment But Increased Later : It means your tumour has come back and grown. You will need additional tests to check the cause of the higher levels of it.

Different Types of Cancers That Can Be Associated with Elevated CA 19-9

Elevated CA 19-9 levels frequently indicate pancreatic cancer. However, elevated levels may also indicate other cancers or non-cancer diseases. For instance, liver disease and pancreatitis can increase the CA 19-9 levels. Here are some of the other cancers or diseases associated with elevated CA 19-9:

• Bladder cancer
• Gallbladder cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Cystic fibrosis
• Ovarian cancer
• Bile duct disease
• Gastric cancer
• Lung cancer
• Gallstones

What Does the Procedure of the CA 19-9 Blood Test Include?

The process of the CA 19-9 blood test might be long, but technicians complete it in a single day. The steps below describe how serum levels of cancer antigen 19-9 are found:

1. After drawing it, your blood sample is subjected to automated chemiluminescent immunoassay/radioimmunoassay (RIA) by lab personnel, who also add monoclonal conjugates and paramagnetic particles to a reaction vessel.
2. In the presence of a magnetic field, an incubation process separates materials in a reaction vessel.
3. The technicians add a chemiluminescent substrate and use a luminometer to measure the amount of light released. The quantity of light generated is directly correlated with the concentration of CA 19-9.

Are there any associated risks involved with the CA 19-9 test?

The risk of the CA 190-9 blood test is very low, and you may feel a slight pain or bruising at the needle insertion site. A small percentage of people might experience dizziness or nausea, or even sweating, during the test. However, most of the symptoms disappear quickly.

You might require CA 19-9 testing to determine whether the cancer has returned after your treatment is finished. For a CA 19-9 blood test, there are no specific preparations to take. Before the test, you might need to stop taking certain supplements. To get more information regarding this, you may consult your provider.

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