A 65-year-old man presents to the clinic with jaundice, weight loss, and abdominal pain. His physician suspects pancreatic cancer and orders a series of tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Which of the following markers is commonly used for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer?
A. CA 15-3
B. CA 19-9
C. Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP)
D. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)
Answer:
The Correct Answer is: B. CA 19-9
Explanation:
CA 19-9 (B):
– CA 19-9 (Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9) is a tumor marker that is commonly elevated in patients with pancreatic cancer.
– It is the most widely used serum marker for pancreatic cancer and can aid in diagnosis, although it is not specific enough to be used alone. Elevated levels can also be seen in other conditions, such as cholangiocarcinoma, colorectal cancer, and benign biliary obstruction.
– CA 19-9 levels can also be used to monitor treatment response and disease progression in patients with pancreatic cancer.
Explanation of Incorrect Options:
CA 15-3 (A):
– CA 15-3 is a tumor marker primarily associated with breast cancer. It is not commonly used for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) (C):
– AFP is a tumor marker that is commonly elevated in hepatocellular carcinoma and germ cell tumors of the testes and ovaries. It is not typically used for diagnosing pancreatic cancer.
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) (D):
– CEA is a tumor marker that can be elevated in various cancers, including colorectal, gastric, pancreatic, and breast cancer. However, it is less specific for pancreatic cancer compared to CA 19-9 and is not the primary marker used for its diagnosis.
In conclusion, CA 19-9 is the marker commonly used for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, making option B the correct answer.