Individual test · Labcorp 480053

Carbohydrate Antigen (CA) 19-9 (Serial Monitor)

This test measures the level of CA 19-9, a specific protein often released into the blood by pancreatic cancer cells and tissues in the digestive system. Doctors primarily use these results over time to monitor how well cancer treatment is working or to check if the disease has returned after therapy. Tracking changes in these levels helps show whether the cancer is growing or responding to medication. However, this test cannot diagnose cancer on its own, as non-cancerous conditions like gallstones or pancreatitis can also cause high levels.