CA-19 level - worried

I am being treated for a stage 1C mucinous ovarian adenocarcinoma (C by default as removed by keyhole surgery when believed to be benign, so already damaged when sent to lab, they tell me it was likely a 1A before surgery).

Removed last June as a seemingly innocent cyst, diagnosed on post surgery pathology.

Full robotic hysterectomy followed and pathology clear from that. 

2 clear CT (one prior to surgery that included virtual colonoscopy) and 1 after hysterectomy as staging / baseline. 

Currently receiving adjuvant chemotherapy (Carboplatin) about to have cycle 4 on Friday.

Until today, all has been positive, results wise. However, I've seen my consultant today and on my bloods from my last cycle, my CA-19 level has changed from 37 (where it has been consistently since the first time it was tested on the day I was diagnosed last July - which was 7 weeks after the ovary was removed) to 39. Obviously my "usual" 37 is the upper limit on what is classed as "normal"  but it has been consistent for me post surgery (pre surgery levels not known). I am now terrified. My consultant says she is not concerned and for me not to panic as it's a small increase and all my scans have been clear and that's more important. But my last scan was the end of November so that could have changed I'm guessing!! She has told me that they do see fluctuations in blood result levels. 
As far as I know, all other markers are normal.

 

Does/can the CA-19 level fluctuate innocently in a person who is currently believed cancer free? I know it goes up and down according to how well a treatment is working in someone with a known existing tumour, but does it change in a "healthy" individual? I suppose I'm hoping that just because my level has sat at 37 all along, does it necessarily mean something bad because it's raised 2 increments? 
 

I'm hoping it's back at 37 next time and not increased again, but I'm so scared it will have done. 

  • Hello and thank you for posting, and I'm sorry you are having these concerns about your blood test results. 

    Simply the answer is yes, these test results can fluctuate as remember these are not cancer defining tests. The CA 19 is used to measure any irritation or inflammation in and around the gall bladder area. This can mean anything from cancer to many less serious conditions like gall stones or infections can cause a change in this result. A consistent rising pattern in your blood results would be more what your consultant may investigate into further.

    Here is some information on the ca 19 blood test.

    Coping with life and the idea of recurrence can be really difficult after a cancer diagnosis. Here is a link to coping with ovarian cancer which may be useful.

    And here is a link to Ovacome, the UK charity for Ovarian cancer, who provide support for those with an ovarian cancer diagnosis which may be helpful for you.

    Take care, and if you want to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline the number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040.  The lines are open from 9am till 5pm, Monday to Friday.

    Sarah.

  • Thank you.

    My team have rung this morning, the level has risen again to 44.

    They are bringing forward my CT to investigate.