Rising tumor marker Ca 19-9

gogo_xago

Hi girls,

today my mom had the results of blood tests. Everything is normal except CA 19-9 (75 u/ml. Normal value is less 37). Searching in google I was terrified because says that this tumor markers indicate cancer of pancreas. Anybody had relevant experience? Do you know something for this tumor marker?

Thank you all. 

gogo_xago

nobody knows something about??? I'm too confused...

TectonicShift

Hi, gogo.  it's 10:30 am in the Eastern U.S. right now, so most americans are at work or just getting up (West Coast). There is not a lot of traffic on the boards at this time.

I'm sorry I cannot answer your question about the tumor markers but i do know they can fluctuate a lot and often mean nothing. My onc doesn't even do them because they are very unreliable. 

Bugs

gogo, is your mother in active treatments?  (chemo, rads?)  Tumor markers change dramatically during treatment.  I'm not familiar with the marker you are talking about, though.  My dr uses the CA 27-29 marker.

gogo_xago

Thank you both for your replies. 

No she isn't in treatment. She is almost 3 years after diagnosis. She is taking femara.

Bugs

I did a little bit of reading on this and from what I see, there are a high rate of false positives and false negatives for this tumor marker.  It can also be an indication of gallstones or other bile duct obstructions.   Please keep us posted on your mother.

Hugs!! 

gogo_xago

thank you so much Bugs for your interest. Monday morning my mother is going to have scans, so I hope everything will be fine. I'll keep you informed.

gogo_xago

wow!!! everything is clear! thanks God!!! Next week we are going to meet onc. so he will tell us about tumor markers.

thanks girls one more time. You are all wonderful and I'm happy because I have find you in this site. Sending hugs to all.

Gogo 

Bugs

Great great news, Gogo!  So glad!