CA 19-9 (Pancreatic Cancer Marker) Test in Kathmandu

About this test

CA 19-9 is a carbohydrate antigen shed into the bloodstream mainly by cells of the pancreas and biliary tract, and it is the most widely used tumour marker for cancers of the pancreas and bile ducts. Importantly, it is not a screening test for healthy people — a raised value alone never diagnoses cancer, and a normal value never fully excludes it. Doctors order it in a specific situation: when imaging (ultrasound, CT or MRCP) or symptoms such as painless jaundice, unexplained weight loss, persistent upper-abdominal or back pain, pale stools and dark urine raise concern about a pancreatic or biliary tumour. Its real strength is monitoring a known cancer — tracking the trend after surgery or during chemotherapy, where a falling level suggests response and a rising level suggests recurrence. The result must always be read alongside the clinical picture and scans, never in isolation. Several non-cancerous conditions commonly seen in Kathmandu also lift CA 19-9, including gallstones, bile-duct obstruction, cholangitis, pancreatitis and any cause of jaundice; once the blockage is relieved the level usually settles. A further quirk worth knowing is that roughly five to ten percent of people lack the Lewis blood-group enzyme needed to make this antigen, so their CA 19-9 stays low even with advanced disease, making the marker unreliable for them. For these reasons your doctor interprets the number in context and often repeats it over time rather than relying on a single reading.

Sample type

Blood (serum)

Preparation

No fasting required. If you have had a recent biliary stent, ERCP, or an episode of jaundice, please mention it — these can temporarily raise the result.

Turnaround time

Reports for CA 19-9 (Pancreatic Cancer Marker) are typically ready within: Same Day. Reports can be collected at the clinic during opening hours or shared via WhatsApp once they are ready.

Also known as

Other hormones tests we run

These are routinely ordered alongside CA 19-9 (Pancreatic Cancer Marker) or as part of the same diagnostic workup.

How to book

WhatsApp is the fastest way — message us with the test name and your preferred time, and we'll confirm a slot the same day. You can also walk into the clinic at Rumba Chowk, Sanobharang any day between 7AM and 8PM, or fill in our online booking form.