CA 19-9

CA 19-9 is a substance produced by some pancreatic, liver, and digestive system cells. It is often used as a tumor marker—a biochemical indicator that can be elevated in certain cancers, particularly pancreatic cancer. Doctors measure CA 19-9 levels through a blood test to help detect, monitor the progression, or evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. However, elevated CA 19-9 levels are not exclusive to cancer and can occur with benign conditions like inflammation or liver disease. Therefore, it is used alongside other diagnostic methods for a comprehensive assessment.