Question

A 62-year-old woman has an unexplained weight loss. She has a vague, non-descriptive pain in her stomach accompanied by diarrhea. When her son sees that she has become yellow, he insists that she seek medical attention. Numerous tests are done, including endoscopic retrograde pancreatography, and she is told that she has pancreatic cancer. The tests reveal that the pancreatic cancer is located at the head of the pancreas.

What tumor marker is most likely to be found?

1. CA 19-9 (carbohydrate antigen 19-9)
2. AFP (alpha-fetoprotein)
3. CALLA (common acute lymphoblastic leukemia associated antigen)
4. PSA (prostate specific antigen)
5. Gastrin

Answer 1

The most likely tumor marker to be found in a patient with pancreatic cancer at the head of the pancreas is CA 19-9.

Step-by-step explanation:

The tumor marker that is most likely to be found in a 62-year-old woman with an unexplained weight loss, vague stomach pain, diarrhea, and yellowing of the skin is CA 19-9 (carbohydrate antigen 19-9).

CA 19-9 is a marker that is commonly used in the diagnosis and management of pancreatic cancer. It is elevated in the majority of pancreatic cancer cases, particularly those located in the head of the pancreas, as in this case.