Ulta Lab Tests

Pancreatic Cancer - Tumor-Marker Blood Panel

Blood
Blood Draw
There are no preparation instructions.

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Also known as: CA 125 Tumor Marker, CA-125, Cancer Antigen 125, OC125, Ovarian Antigen

Ca 125

The Cancer Antigen 125 (CA-125) test measures the amount of CA-125 in the blood. CA-125 is a protein that is present on the surface of most, but not all, ovarian cancer cells. This makes the test useful as a tumor marker in specific circumstances. Significantly elevated concentrations of CA-125 may be present in the blood of a woman who has ovarian cancer. Small quantities of CA-125 are produced by normal tissues throughout the body and by some other cancers. Levels in the blood may be moderately elevated with a variety of non-cancerous conditions, including menstruation, pregnancy, and pelvic inflammatory disease.

Also known as: CA 199, Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9

Ca 19-9

Cancer antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) is a protein that exists on the surface of certain cancer cells. CA 19-9 does not cause cancer; rather, it is shed by the tumor cells, making it useful as a tumor marker to follow the course of the cancer. CA 19-9 is elevated in 70% to 95% of people with advanced pancreatic cancer, but it may also be elevated in other cancers, conditions, and diseases such as colorectal cancer, lung cancer, gallbladder cancer, bile duct obstruction (e.g., gallstones), pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, and liver disease. Small amounts of CA 19-9 are present in the blood of healthy people.

Also known as: Carcinoembryonic Antigen

Cea

The CEA test measures the level of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in the blood. CEA is a protein normally found in the tissue of a developing baby in the womb. The blood level of this protein disappears or becomes very low after birth. In adults, an abnormal level of CEA may be a sign of cancer.
*Important Information on Lab Test Processing Times: Ulta Lab Tests is committed to informing you about the processing times for your lab tests processed through a national lab. Please note that the estimated processing time for each test, indicated in business days, is based on data from the past 30 days across the 13 laboratories for each test. These estimates are intended to serve as a guide and are not guarantees. Factors such as laboratory workload, weather conditions, holidays, and the need for additional testing or maintenance can influence actual processing times. We aim to offer estimates to help you plan accordingly. Please understand that these times may vary, and processing times are not guaranteed. Thank you for choosing Ulta Lab Tests for your laboratory needs.

The Pancreatic Cancer - Tumor-Marker Blood Panel panel contains 3 tests with 3 biomarkers .

Overview of the Pancreatic Cancer - Tumor-Marker Blood Panel

The Pancreatic Cancer - Tumor-Marker Blood Panel is a specialized diagnostic tool used to detect and monitor cancer-related activity in the body, with a particular emphasis on malignancies associated with the pancreas. It measures specific substances in the blood—known as tumor markers—that are produced either by cancer cells themselves or by the body in response to the presence of cancer. This panel is especially valuable because pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to its subtle early symptoms. By assessing the levels of select tumor markers, this panel can aid in the early detection of cancer, evaluate the effectiveness of treatment, and monitor for recurrence following therapy.

When and Why the Pancreatic Cancer - Tumor-Marker Blood Panel May Be Ordered

This panel may be ordered when a healthcare provider suspects pancreatic cancer based on clinical symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, jaundice, or changes in stool. It may also be used for patients with a known family history of pancreatic cancer or chronic pancreatitis, who are at higher risk of developing the disease. In addition, this panel can be useful for tracking disease progression, evaluating how well a patient is responding to cancer treatment (e.g., chemotherapy or surgery), and checking for signs of recurrence in individuals who have been previously treated for pancreatic or related cancers.

What the Pancreatic Cancer - Tumor-Marker Blood Panel Checks For

Tumor markers are proteins or molecules that are often found in higher-than-normal amounts in the blood of individuals with certain types of cancer. Each tumor marker in this panel provides insight into potential malignancies and disease activity.

CA 125 (Cancer Antigen 125) is a glycoprotein that is most commonly associated with ovarian cancer but may also be elevated in pancreatic cancer, particularly in advanced stages. It can also rise in non-cancerous conditions like liver disease and pancreatitis, but persistently high levels in the context of other clinical findings may suggest malignancy.

CA 19-9 (Cancer Antigen 19-9) is the most specific and widely used tumor marker for pancreatic cancer. It is produced by the epithelial cells of the pancreas, bile ducts, and stomach. Elevated levels of CA 19-9 are strongly associated with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and can also be seen in bile duct cancer and chronic inflammation of the pancreas. This marker is especially valuable for monitoring treatment response and recurrence.

CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) is a broad-spectrum tumor marker associated with several gastrointestinal malignancies, including colorectal, gastric, and pancreatic cancers. It plays a role in cell adhesion and is typically elevated in advanced or metastatic disease. CEA can also be slightly elevated in benign conditions like smoking or inflammatory bowel disease, so it is most useful when interpreted alongside other clinical findings.

Conditions and Diseases the Pancreatic Cancer - Tumor-Marker Blood Panel Can Detect

This panel is primarily designed to assist in the detection and management of pancreatic cancer, but it can also provide insights into other conditions such as cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) and gastric cancer.

Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive form of cancer that originates in the tissues of the pancreas, most commonly the exocrine ducts. It often goes undetected until it reaches an advanced stage due to vague symptoms. CA 19-9 is the most reliable marker for this disease, with levels that generally correlate with tumor burden. Elevated levels of CA 125 and CEA may also occur, especially in advanced or metastatic cases. These markers together improve diagnostic sensitivity and may help differentiate between malignant and benign pancreatic disease.

Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer)
Cholangiocarcinoma is a rare but aggressive cancer of the bile ducts that shares overlapping symptoms and biological markers with pancreatic cancer. CA 19-9 and CEA are frequently elevated in this condition, making this panel useful in differentiating cholangiocarcinoma from other gastrointestinal cancers. Persistent elevation, particularly of CA 19-9, in the setting of bile duct obstruction or jaundice, may point toward malignancy rather than benign cholestasis.

Gastric Cancer
Gastric or stomach cancer is another gastrointestinal malignancy that can lead to elevated levels of tumor markers such as CEA and CA 125. Although not as specific as CA 19-9 for pancreatic cancer, these markers can still provide supportive diagnostic evidence, especially in cases where cancer has spread to adjacent organs, including the pancreas.

How a Healthcare Professional Uses the Pancreatic Cancer - Tumor-Marker Blood Panel Results

Pancreatic Cancer
In the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer, elevated CA 19-9 levels can confirm clinical suspicion and help in staging the disease. Healthcare professionals often use CA 19-9 to track how well a patient is responding to treatment; a decrease in levels usually indicates effective therapy, while rising levels may suggest progression or recurrence. CA 125 and CEA can serve as supplementary markers, especially in complex or advanced cases, and may help confirm metastatic spread.

Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer)
In suspected bile duct cancer, CA 19-9 and CEA levels guide initial diagnostic evaluations and imaging studies. These markers are particularly useful in distinguishing malignancy from obstructive jaundice of benign origin. Monitoring these levels over time also helps assess the response to treatment and detect recurrence following surgical resection or chemotherapy.

Gastric Cancer
When gastric cancer is suspected, elevated CEA and CA 125 levels can strengthen diagnostic confidence and help determine tumor extent or metastasis. These markers may not be as sensitive in early-stage disease but are useful for ongoing surveillance and detecting treatment resistance or disease relapse.

Conclusion

The Pancreatic Cancer - Tumor-Marker Blood Panel offers a valuable combination of tumor markers that improve the detection, diagnosis, and management of pancreatic and related gastrointestinal cancers. While none of the markers are perfectly specific on their own, their combined use enhances diagnostic accuracy, helps guide treatment decisions, and supports long-term monitoring for disease recurrence. When interpreted in conjunction with imaging studies and clinical evaluation, this panel becomes a powerful tool in the ongoing fight against some of the most challenging cancers affecting the digestive system.

Customer Reviews