digestive disorders
Pancreatic Cancer
Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer
Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRI/MRCP) followed by endoscopic ultrasonography with biopsy Early diagnosis of tumors in the body or tail of the pancreas is difficult because symptoms occur late and physical examination and blood test results are often normal. When adenocarcinoma of the pancreas is suspected, the preferred tests are Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Digestive Tract or a specialized type of MRI called MRCP (see To confirm the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, a doctor may obtain a sample of the pancreas for examination under a microscope (biopsy) by inserting a needle through the skin using CT or an Ultrasound Scanning (Ultrasonography) of the Abdomen as a guide. However, this approach sometimes misses the tumor. The same approach may be used to obtain a biopsy sample from the liver to look for cancer that has spread from the pancreas. If the results of these tests are normal but the doctor still strongly suspects adenocarcinoma, the pancreas may be evaluated surgically. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (see figure) is another test that may be done for people who have jaundice. Blood tests are also done. 