Cancer Antigen 19-9 (CA 19.9)

Service Description

Biomarker: CA-19.9 Sample: BLOOD Results: 4 HRS Phlebotomy fee: £15 ABOUT CA-19-9 CA 19-9 is a protein produced by some tissues in the body, and is clinically used as a tumour marker primarily associated with gastrointestinal cancers, particularly pancreatic cancer. The test may be use to: -- Diagnosing and Monitoring Pancreatic Cancer -- Assessing Treatment Response -- Detecting Cancer Recurrence -- Differentiating Benign and Malignant Conditions CA 19-9 levels may be elevated in other conditions besides pancreatic cancer, such as bile duct obstruction, pancreatitis, and liver disease. However, the test is not specific to pancreatic cancer and is usually used in combination with other diagnostic tests. SYMPTOMS OF HIGH CA 19.9 Symptoms of high levels of CA-19.9 may include: -- Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to bile duct obstruction. -- Abdominal Pain: Persistent or worsening pain in the abdomen, particularly in the upper abdomen or back. -- Unexplained Weight Loss: Significant and unintentional weight loss without changes in diet or exercise. -- Nausea and Vomiting: Persistent nausea or vomiting, often accompanied by other digestive symptoms. -- Loss of Appetite: Decreased appetite or early satiety (feeling full quickly after eating). -- Fatigue: Persistent fatigue or weakness. It is important to note that elevated CA 19-9 levels do not necessarily indicate the presence of pancreatic cancer, and further evaluations are typically required to determine the underlying cause.