Pancreatic Cancer

Home » Pancreatic Cancer » Diagnosis

Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Pancreatic Cancer
(Free Handout)

Diagnosis

If pancreatic cancer is suspected, the first step is to perform a series of tests. Imaging tests often are used to produce pictures of internal organs and tissues. If these tests detect pancreatic cancer that appears to be resectable (see the Staging section), surgery is often the next step. In some cases, a tumor marker CA 19-9 (cancer antigen) test also may be performed.

The following diagnostic tests may be used to help diagnose pancreatic cancer:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan)–In this test, the patient passes through a tunnel surrounded by a powerful magnet and a computer tracks the magnetism and produces pictures of the tissues being studied.
• Upper GI (gastrointestinal) series–In this procedure, the patient swallows a contrast solution containing the mineral barium. While the solution is in the digestive system, x-rays are taken to detect abnormalities.
• Computerized axial tomography (CAT scan or CT scan)–This is a specialized x-ray technique that produces detailed cross-sectional images of internal organs and tissues.
• Ultrasound–This test uses high frequency sound waves that bounce off structures in the patient's body. A computer translates these echoes into a sonogram image.

If imaging tests detect an abnormality that warrants further investigation, a biopsy may be performed. In a biopsy, a sample of tissue is removed and examined for cancer cells.

One method of obtaining a tissue sample is a needle biopsy. In this procedure, the surgeon inserts a needle into the abdomen, guided by an imaging technique, and removes a small sample of pancreatic tissue. Laparoscopy, which involves using a device called a laparoscope to remove a small piece of tissue from the pancreas, also may be performed.

In the laboratory, pathologists (doctors who specialize in diagnosing diseases) can evaluate the specimen for abnormal growth. If there is a tumor (an abnormal mass of cells), it may be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancerous).

When a patient is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, an oncology team determines the best course of action. This health care team may include medical oncologists (doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating cancer), radiation oncologists (doctors who perform radiation therapy), and endocrinologists (doctors who specialize in hormones and the glands that produce them).

© 1998-2009 Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Pancreatic Cancer Resources

	Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Your Cancer The more knowledge you have, the easier it is to make decisions about your cancer treatment. Print this free handout to take with you on your next office visit.	Advertising Disclaimer
	Join Our Pancreatic Cancer Forum Do you have a question, want to share medical advice, or just need to discuss your situation with someone else having a similar experience? The healthchannels forum is a resource for everyone to share and discuss their health and medical needs with others.
	Living with...Share your story Do you have a personal health story that you would like to share with others? As a source of free patient education, our goal is to provide our users with trustworthy information and support from others. That's why we've started our "Living with..." sections.
	Our "Living With..." support pages are a place to share experiences about living with a certain condition, disease, disorder, or illness and for loved ones of those dealing with health-related issues. Many people, especially when newly diagnosed, find comfort in knowing that others are having a similar experience. Help others by sharing your story. View stories already submitted. National Cancer Survivors Day is June 7, 2009 Share your survival story and help others in the fight against cancer. Read stories already submitted
To quickly access health information from your website's browser, download Healthcommunities.com's healthchannels toolbar. Advertising Disclaimer