What is carbohydrate antigen 199?
Disease description:
Recently, my grandfather has been experiencing physical discomfort and loss of appetite. After a hospital examination, carbohydrate antigen 199 was detected. What is carbohydrate antigen 199?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Jin Zhongkui
Carbohydrate antigen 199 (CA199) is a new tumor marker. Elevated levels of CA199 may indicate the presence of gastrointestinal tumors in patients, such as liver cancer, colon cancer, and pancreatic cancer. CA199 serves as a monitoring indicator for tumor recurrence; however, it cannot be used alone as a diagnostic criterion. Additionally, CA199 levels may also increase in patients who have received certain vaccines.
