CA19-9 is a tumour marker for digestive tract related cancers; specifically for cancers of the pancreas and biliary system. Having said that, an elevated tumour marker does not necessary mean the presence of cancer, especially if it is just marginally raised.
Since your CA19-9 level is almost double, it will be prudent for you to get a proper assessment soon. If the repeat CA19-9 level shows a down trending pattern or normalises spontaneously, then there is a good chance we are dealing with a benign condition.
Please bring along all your recent test reports or scans during the assessment. If you have results from any previous health screening, do show your doctor too. This will help to avoid repeating tests unnecessarily.
- Dr Quan
