What does the CEA and CA 19-9 mean?

Question
What is the meaning of CEA and CA 19-9, doctor? The result of the CEA index is 1.5; What does a CA 19-9 index of 17 mean?
Anonymous customer question
Answer
Hi,
Meaning CEA and CA 19-9 are both tumor markers/antigens, used in screening and diagnosis and monitor certain types of cancer.
CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) can be found in many different cells of the body, but is often associated with certain tumors and fetal development. The CEA test is often used to aid in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer (to help with staging) as well as to monitor treatment response and progression of colorectal cancer. In addition, in some other malignancies, CEA is also increased (breast cancer, lung cancer, thyroid cancer, pancreatic cancer..) or increased in some benign diseases such as colon polyps, small bowel inflammation, cirrhosis, COPD, colitis... Normal value of CEA in blood is <5.2 ng/ml. CA 19-9 (Cancer Antigen 19-9) is a gastrointestinal cancer antigen, secreted by epithelial cells of digestive and respiratory glands such as salivary glands, pancreas, and bile ducts. , stomach, colon,... CA 19-9 test is often used to screen periodically as well as monitor treatment/relapse in patients with pancreatic, hepatobiliary, gastric, pancreatic cancer. The normal value of CA 19-9 in the blood is < 39 U/ml. So your CEA index is 1.5 ng/ml, CA 19-9 index is 17 U/ml which is within the normal value.
You can go to reputable medical facilities at Vinmec Health System hospitals nationwide for further advice. Thank you for trusting and sharing your worries with Vinmec.
Answered by Master, Doctor Do Thi Hoang Ha - Doctor of Biochemistry - Laboratory Department - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.