CA 19-9

As the name suggests, pancreatic cancer originates in the pancreas in the abdomen, situated behind the lower region of the stomach. The gland is responsible for producing hormones, like insulin, that help in blood sugar regulation. There can be cancerous and noncancerous growths in the pancreas. However, the most common type of cancerous cells formed in the pancreas is known as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. This occurs within the duct lines of the pancreas that transfer the digestive enzymes.

The cancer type is treatable if detected at an early stage. However, it does not show any symptoms until it reaches the metastasis phase, where this cancer spreads to other body parts. Below are some of the following symptoms of pancreatic cancer: 

• Consistent pain in the abdomen that radiates to the back 
• Appetite loss and rapid weight loss
• Itchy skin 
• Fatigue 
• Darker urine and lighter stools 
• Sudden occurrence of diabetes
• Existing diabetes is getting out of control 
• The skin turning yellow with signs of jaundice 
• Blood clots

You must visit your doctor immediately if you suddenly witness any or all of the symptoms. There might be other underlying causes for these symptoms other than pancreatic cancer. But it is better to be sure before it is too late.

Although the causes of pancreatic cancer are unclear, some risk factors, like smoking, have been identified as significant reasons. The cancer antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) test establishes the presence of pancreatic cancer in the body. Also known as Carbohydrate antigen or sialyl Lewisa, this tumour marker is highly useful in detecting the induction and progression of pancreatic cancer.

The CA19-9 test is also referred to as CA 19-9 radioimmunoassay (RIA) test. It helps distinguish pancreas cancer from other types of conditions. This helps in providing proper treatment and preventing recurrence.

The test does this by detecting the level of the cancer antigen 19-9 in the blood via a radioimmunoassay method. A higher protein level denotes that the cancer cells might be present in the body. This is because antigens usually stimulate the immune response of the body. On the other hand, specific cancer cells transmit excess amounts of CA19-9 antigens into the bloodstream. Therefore, your doctor may prescribe the test if they suspect the possibility of pancreatic cancer.

You can easily get the test booked from any online diagnostic platform, like Apollo 24|7. Upon booking, you will get a visit from a lab technician who will collect the blood from your vein. A needle will be inserted into the vein of your arm to collect a small amount of blood. This may cause slight discomfort but is nothing to be worried about.

The blood sample is then sent to the lab for testing the CA 19-9 levels. Sometimes, a patient may need to be tested for the cancer antigen twice, before and after treatment, to ensure progress. The test is also helpful in detecting any changes in the tumour, such as growth or reduced size.