Q. What is the significance of an elevated CA-19 tumor marker?
Hello doctor,
I have a question regarding the significance of an elevated CA-19 tumor marker. I recently had one and that came back as 43 (per laboratory should have been under 34). I do not have cancer and I am wondering what else could cause this elevation? Please help.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
- CA 19-9 (cancer antigen) is a tumor marker, but it can be elevated in healthy individual.
- It can be elevated in benign conditions like pancreatitis, cirrhosis, thyroid disease and inflammatory bowel disease.
- It can be elevated in various gastrointestinal malignancies like gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer and colorectal cancer.
- If you are asymptomatic like no history of weight loss and anorexia then no need to worry.
- If you have worried symptoms like significant weight loss and anorexia then you need evaluation.
Investigations to be done:
CBC (complete blood count), LFT (liver function test) and USG (ultrasonography) of abdomen.
Regarding follow up:Revert back after the tests to a medical gastroenterologist online.---> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/medical-gastroenterologist
Thank you doctor,
I will follow up with my PCP as I do have some symptoms. I have a history of ulcers and gastritis and I am wondering if that could cause an elevation. I have also read that reduced lung function can cause it. Is that true? I have a paralyzed diaphragm from nerve damage sustained during heart surgery and as a result my lung capacity is only about 60 percent.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
- History of ulcer, gastritis and reduced lung function does not cause elevation of CA 19-9.
For further doubts consult a medical gastroenterologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/medical-gastroenterologist
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