Diagnosis
Diagnosing pancreatic
cancer may be difficult. Symptoms are not always obvious and
usually develop gradually. If an individual is experiencing
symptoms that suggest pancreatic cancer is present, a variety of
tests may be performed to make an accurate diagnosis.
Usually, the doctor will
ask the individual about medical and family history and will perform
a physical exam. The doctor will examine the patient's body,
including skin and eyes, and feel the abdomen to check for changes
in the area near the pancreas, liver and gallbladder. Blood,
urine and stool tests may be ordered.
There is currently no
simple blood test for pancreatic cancer. People with pancreatic
cancer often have elevated levels of bilirubin and liver enzymes
in the blood.
Below are some of the
diagnostic and tumor measurement tools used to monitor people with
pancreatic cancer.
CA
19-9
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Imaging
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) and Endoscopic
Retrograde
Cholangiopancreatography
(ERCP)
Computed Tomography (CT)
Early
Detection of Pancreatic Cancer |
If you or a
loved
one has
recently
been diagnosed with pancreatic
cancer,
it is
important
to be informed about
the
diagnosis.
Start with these
suggestions for
getting
organized. |
