What are the tumor markers CEA, CA125 and CA19-9 and what do they mean?
CEA, CA125 and a CA19-9 are tumor marker tests used for the indication of colorectal malignancies. The antigens detected in the blood are either being produced by the tumor or are being produced by the body in reaction to the tumor. CEA: < 2.5 is normal (5 for smoker), > 10 is high CA19-9: < 35 is normal, > 100 is high CA-125:< 35 is normal, > 50 is high CEA: slight to moderate CEA elevations (rarely above 10) occur in 15-30% of benign diseases of the intestine, the pancreas, the liver and the lungs: liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, pancreatitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and emphysema. Smokers also have elevated CEA. CA 19-9: slight cholestasis can lead to elevated CA 19-9 serum levels. Elevated values are also found with inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or the liver, and in cystic fibrosis. CA 125: Usually used as test for ovarian cancer. Slight to moderate elevations can also occur in individuals with cirrhosis, hepatitis, endometriosis, first trimes
