C199 / CA199

Modified Lewis(a) blood group antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) is the carbohydrate antigen. In foetal gastric, intestinal, and pancreatic epithelia, mucin is present. In low amounts, adult tissue from the pancreas, liver, and lungs is also present. The results of the CA 19-9 assay can help with patient monitoring and differential diagnosis in cases of pancreatic cancer. Potentially useful in distinguishing individuals with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and cholangiocarcinoma from those with PSC alone. Since the liver is the only organ responsible for excreting mucin, in certain instances, even mild cholestasis can result in noticeably raised CA 19-9 serum levels. In addition to cystic fibrosis, a number of benign and inflammatory disorders of the liver and gastrointestinal system are associated with elevated CA 19-9 levels.