CA-19-9

Overview
CA-19-9 is a tumor marker.

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
In alphabetical order.

Malignant Diseases

 * Biliary tract carcinoma
 * Breast Cancer
 * Bronchial carcinoma
 * Colorectal Cancer
 * Gastric carcinoma
 * Liver carcinoma
 * Ovarian Cancer
 * Pancreatic Cancer
 * Uterine Cancer

Non-Malignant Diseases

 * Cholecystitis
 * Choledocholithiasis
 * Cirrhosis
 * Pancreatitis
 * Pleural Effusions

Related chapters

 * CA 19-9