Subtitle: Tests to Diagnose Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most complex and aggressive of all cancers. Diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer often require a variety of tests and procedures. The most common tests used to diagnose pancreatic cancer include imaging tests, blood tests, endoscopic tests, and biopsies.
Imaging Tests Imaging tests such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, and positron emission tomography (PET) scan can be used to diagnose pancreatic cancer. These tests create detailed images of the pancreas, allowing doctors to see any tumors or other abnormalities.
Blood Tests Blood tests are not used to diagnose pancreatic cancer on their own, but can be used to help detect the presence of the disease. Blood tests can measure levels of certain enzymes and proteins that can indicate a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
Endoscopic Tests Endoscopic tests can be used to diagnose pancreatic cancer, as well as to obtain tissue samples for biopsy. Endoscopic tests include endoscopic ultrasound, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR).
Biopsy A biopsy is typically the only way to definitively diagnose pancreatic cancer. A biopsy can be performed during an endoscopic procedure or during surgery. During a biopsy, a small piece of tissue is removed from the pancreas and examined under a microscope to determine if cancer is present.