Posted , 4 users are following.
I had the CA 19-9 blood test done for pancreatic cancer a few weeks ago. It was a little high-41. The normal is less than 34. Does anyone know if this is serious or not? I have tried to find out info online but had no luck. Is there anyone here that has taken the same test or knows anything about it ?
0 likes, 6 replies
We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.
elizabeth_76861 Lindy1234
Posted
****I found this online**** hope it helps!!!!
It is important to note that not every patient with pancreatic cancer will have an elevated CA 19-9 level. In addition, some non-cancerous conditions can cause high CA 19-9 levels. For these reasons, the CA 19-9 test cannot be used as a diagnostic or screening test for pancreatic cancer.
Can conditions other than pancreatic cancer cause an elevated CA 19-9?
Yes. While a high CA 19-9 is most commonly associated with pancreatic cancer, other cancers, such as colorectal, lung, and gallbladder cancers, can also cause elevated levels. High CA 19-9 levels can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions such as gallstones, a blockage of the bile duct (jaundice), pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, and liver disease.
During radiation therapy, CA 19-9 levels might be elevated due to the dying cancer cells releasing CA 19-9. Since the results of a CA 19-9 test are not accurate, the test is not performed while the patient receives radiation treatment.
Don't scare ur self get correct info from ur doctor first
Lindy1234 elizabeth_76861
Posted
Thank you for the helpful info. I'm due to see my gastro on Oct 11, so I'll be able to talk to him then. Today I had an abdominal MRI, so I'll get the results then also.
Shortie79 Lindy1234
Posted
Hi Lindy,
I found the the below information regarding the test:
…
Elevated levels of CA 19-9 can be seen in healthy individuals. Elevated levels can also be seen in benign conditions, such as the following:
Biliary tract obstruction [3]
Cholangitis [4]
Inflammatory bowel disease [5]
Acute or chronic pancreatitis [6]
Liver cirrhosis [7]
Cystic fibrosis [8]
Thyroid disease
…
I found the above information in the following website:
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/2087513-overview#a2
I hope that helps a little. I think because you have a pancreas condition, your levels are elevated due to your condition. I know you have family history but I would inquire into a genetic mutation markers blood test. That test will show if you are carrying the mutation markers for cancer. If you are then they can remove your pancreas and make another organ act as the pancreas.
Lindy1234 Shortie79
Posted
Hey Shortie79.
Thank you so much for taking your time to research this for me. I will definitely look up the link. My blood work showed high lipase,- higher than when I was having the attack back in July. Go figure! After I see my gastro, I'm going to get an appt. for a consult at the Elkins Pancreas Center in Houston TX, where I live.
DJ-RN Lindy1234
Posted
It's a slightly high yet normal finding. They may want to repeat it in a short time.
Lindy1234 DJ-RN
Posted
Thanks for your input.