The CA19-9 test, also known as the carbohydrate antigen 19-9 test, is a blood test used to detect the presence of a specific biomarker in the bloodstream. This test plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of certain health conditions, particularly those involving the pancreas and other abdominal organ cancers. The presence of the CA19-9 biomarker helps healthcare providers in making precise decisions about treatment and monitoring. Elevated levels of CA19-9 can be worrying, though it is not a definite diagnosis of cancer and needs additional evaluation for accurate diagnosis.
Read this article to get a detailed overview of the purpose of the CA19-9 test, who may need it, how to prepare for it, the testing process, and what the results can indicate.
Also Read: CA 242 Tumour Marker Test: What Is It? Purpose, Procedure and Results
Purpose of the CA19-9 Test
The CA19-9 test is chiefly used to measure the levels of a tumour marker known as carbohydrate antigen 19-9 in the blood. This tumour marker is associated with certain medical conditions, with its main purpose being in the diagnosis and monitoring of gastrointestinal cancers, particularly pancreatic cancer.
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Pancreatic Cancer
One of the most significant applications of the CA19-9 test is in the diagnosis and management of pancreatic cancer. Elevated levels of CA19-9 may suggest the presence of pancreatic tumours. This test can be used to monitor the progression of the disease and assess the effectiveness of treatments.
Other Gastrointestinal Cancers
The CA19-9 test is also employed in the evaluation of other gastrointestinal cancers, such as colorectal, stomach, and bile duct cancers. Elevated CA19-9 levels may be indicative of these conditions.
Chronic Pancreatitis
CA19-9 levels can be elevated in cases of chronic pancreatitis, an inflammatory condition of the pancreas.
Who Needs The CA19-9 Test?
Individuals who are at risk of or are already diagnosed with pancreatic or other gastrointestinal cancers are likely candidates for the CA19-9 test. The healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have:
Symptoms or risk factors associated with pancreatic cancer include unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, jaundice, or changes in bowel habits.
A known history of gastrointestinal cancers, if you have a personal or family history of gastrointestinal cancers, your healthcare provider may monitor your CA19-9 levels.
Been diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis, where CA19-9 testing is done periodically to monitor disease progression.
Preparation For The CA19-9 Test
The CA19-9 test is a simple blood work, and typically, no specific preparation is required. However, you may be advised to follow these general guidelines:
In a few cases, your healthcare provider may ask you to fast for a certain period before the test, especially if you are undergoing additional blood tests. Inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you are taking, as certain drugs may affect CA19-9 levels.
Your healthcare provider may consider your overall health and medical history when determining whether you need the CA19-9 test and if additional tests or imaging are necessary.
A trained phlebotomist will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a needle and syringe. The collected blood sample is sent to a laboratory, where it is analysed to measure the levels of CA19-9.
The results are typically available within a few days, and your healthcare provider will discuss the findings with you.
Results
It's important to note that elevated CA19-9 levels do not necessarily confirm cancer. Several factors can lead to increased CA19-9 levels, including:
Non-Cancerous Conditions: Conditions such as pancreatitis, hepatitis, and bile duct obstruction can cause elevated CA19-9 levels.
Smoking: Smoking can increase CA19-9 levels, even in individuals without cancer.
Benign Tumours: Non-cancerous growths in the pancreas or nearby organs may also elevate CA19-9 levels.
Your Results May Show:
Increased CA19-9 mean tumour is growing and current treatment is not effective. Additional tests are needed to find out the causes and determine treatment options.
Decreased CA19-9 mean tumour is shrinking and treatment is working well.
CA19-9 level remains the same, which means your condition is stable and has not gotten better or worse.
CA 19-9 levels decreased after treatment, but increased later, which means your cancer has come back or grown. You may need more tests to check whether cancer is really causing the higher level of CA 19-9.
Discuss with your healthcare provider about what your results may mean.
