What does it mean when carbohydrate antigen 199 (CA 19-9) is elevated to 140 U/mL, and what should be done?
Carbohydrate antigen 199 (CA199) is a tumor marker. A CA199 level as high as 140 U/mL may be caused by conditions such as cholelithiasis, cholangitis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, or liver cirrhosis. It is recommended to seek medical evaluation at a正规 hospital promptly, followed by targeted treatment. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:
1. Cholelithiasis: Gallstones may obstruct the bile ducts, impairing normal bile excretion and leading to elevated CA199 levels. Under medical guidance, medications such as ursodeoxycholic acid tablets, indomethacin tablets, or diclofenac potassium tablets may be used to relieve symptoms.
2. Cholangitis: Cholangitis is an inflammation of the biliary system, including the common bile duct, gallbladder, and intrahepatic bile ducts. Inflammation can damage the biliary tract, disrupt bile flow, and affect biliary-related tumor markers such as CA199. Medications like cefixime capsules, ampicillin capsules, or dl-anisodamine tablets may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms.
3. Cholecystitis: Since the biliary system is connected to the pancreas, inflammation of the gallbladder may lead to increased release of CA199. Treatment may include antibiotics such as cefaclor dry suspension, amoxicillin capsules, or anti-inflammatory and bile-promoting tablets under medical supervision.
4. Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis, which refers to inflammation of the pancreas, may also cause elevated CA199 levels. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include medications such as glipizide tablets, metformin hydrochloride tablets, or Qingyi Lidan granules.
5. Liver Cirrhosis: Liver cirrhosis can also lead to increased CA199 levels. The liver is the primary organ responsible for metabolizing and clearing CA199; when liver function is impaired, CA199 levels may rise, potentially resulting in the aforementioned elevation. Treatment options under medical guidance may include bumetanide tablets, Anluo Huaxian pills, or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablets.
Patients are advised to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment.