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Is Pancreatic Cancer A Possibility Due To Increased CA 19.9 Levels?
This is with regards to my elder brother who has been suffering from Chronic Pancreatitis since last 20 years.Recently he had lost 10 kg in 4 months so doc advised him to do CA-19.9 (Cancer Antigen 19.9), serum by CMIA. The report showed 21.83 which was Less than normal range 37 U/mL. But in the month of Sept 2013 the report had showed 9. Since it has increased now is it dangerous or any chances of getting pancreatic cancer.Pls advice.
Fri, 17 Oct 2014
Hi, How are you? My name is Dr Suresh Raghavaiah. I am a Liver and pancreas cancer specialist and I hope to answer your question today.
Chronic pancreatitis does put you brother at an increased risk for carcinoma of the pancreas. But a Ca 19.9 alone cannot be used to make a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. As it is still in the normal range, O would not worry about it. There is always an element of Lab variation. As long as the levels remain within the normal range, it is of no significance. But having said that, the only means of absolutely making sure that there is no cancer is to do a CT scan of the pancreas to look for any growth.
Hope this helps and hope your brother starts to feel better.
Please do not hesitate to contact me for any other clarifications.
Have a great day.
Dr Suresh Raghavaiah
Chronic pancreatitis does put you brother at an increased risk for carcinoma of the pancreas. But a Ca 19.9 alone cannot be used to make a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. As it is still in the normal range, O would not worry about it. There is always an element of Lab variation. As long as the levels remain within the normal range, it is of no significance. But having said that, the only means of absolutely making sure that there is no cancer is to do a CT scan of the pancreas to look for any growth.
Hope this helps and hope your brother starts to feel better.
Please do not hesitate to contact me for any other clarifications.
Have a great day.
Dr Suresh Raghavaiah
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