How Is Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosed?

Each patient is unique with their path to discovery of their pancreatic cancer. Testing differs for patients depending on whether they have testing to look into the cause of symptoms, or sometimes abnormal findings are identified in the pancreas for testing done for other reasons. Once a pancreatic mass is discovered, the patient may undergo testing with a special CT scan to specially take closer look at the pancreas and the surrounding blood vessels and other structures. MRI to look specifically at the pancreas and its ducts may be indicated, and endoscopic ultrasound that allows the tumor to be biopsied, while getting more information on location of the tumor next to blood vessels.

The Role of Our Advance Gastroenterology Team in Diagnosis and Symptom Relief

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer can be absent or vague at first, so any symptoms should be brought to the attention of your doctor. When symptoms or testing question the possibility of pancreatic disease, advanced gastroenterology is often the next step toward diagnosis. Relief of certain symptoms, like itching or jaundice, are commonly managed by the gastroenterology team. Advanced gastroenterology has options for the relief of pancreatic pain. The gastroenterology team also offers pancreatitis treatment and ensures pancreatic cancer is not the cause. From Erlanger Radiology providing state-of-the-art pancreatic imaging to the region’s most contemporary trained advanced GI specialist and our robust interventional radiology team, diagnostic and early interventions lead to a plan for therapeutic options.

Other Typical Diagnostic Tests for Pancreatic Cancer may include:

• Physical exam and health history: An exam of the body to check general signs of health including checking for signs of disease such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual
• Tumor marker test: A procedure in which a sample of blood, urine, or tissue is checked to measure the amounts of certain substances called tumor markers, which are linked to types of cancer
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): A procedure that uses a magnet, radio waves, and a computer to make a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body
• CT scan (CAT scan): A procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body taken from different angles
• PET scan (positron emission tomography scan): A procedure in which a small amount of radioactive glucose (sugar) is injected into a vein. The PET scanner rotates around the body and makes a picture of where glucose is being used in the body
• Abdominal ultrasound: An ultrasound exam used to make pictures of the inside of the abdomen
• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): A procedure in which an endoscope is inserted into the body usually through the mouth or rectum
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): A procedure used to X-ray the ducts (tubes) that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and from the gallbladder to the small intestine
• Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC): A procedure used to x ray the liver and bile ducts
• Laparoscopy: A surgical procedure to look at the organs inside the abdomen to check for signs of disease
• Biopsy: Removing a tissue sample for laboratory testing