Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
CA-19-9
Introduction
Overview
Overview
CA-19-9 is a tumor marker.
Interpretation
Interpretation
CA 19-9 is elevated in most patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, but it may also be elevated in other cancers, conditions, and diseases such as colorectal cancer, lung cancer, gallbladder cancer, gallstones, pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, and liver disease.
Other causes of bile duct obstruction may also cause very high CA 19-9 levels, which fall when the blockage is cleared.
If the bile ducts are blocked, wait a week or two after the blockage is removed or treated to check CA 19-9 levels.
Differential Diagnosis
Differential Diagnosis
In alphabetical order. [1] [2]
Increased level of CA-19-9
Malignant Diseases
- Biliary tract carcinoma
- Breast Cancer
- Bronchial carcinoma
- Colorectal Cancer
- Gastric carcinoma
- Liver carcinoma
- Ovarian Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Uterine Cancer
Non-Malignant Diseases
References
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]