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Monday, October 2, 2023

Pancreatic Cancer

Diagnosis for Pancreatic Cancer

Usually, the symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer aren’t visible until the later stages, and by that time, it becomes very tough to treat it.There are different methods for diagnosing Pancreatic cancer:

1.General tests

Physical examination the doctor will check for signs of jaundice in eyes, nails, and stool samples. The doctor will check for a bloated stomach or abdomen. Blood Tests The doctor will check for increased levels of Tumor Markers of Bilirubin in the blood. Both are the signs of Pancreatic Cancer.

2.Imaging tests

Imaging tests help identify the origin and location of the Pancreatic tumor. Pancreatic Cancer treatment can begin only when the stage and location are identified correctly.

  • CT Scan CT scans take snapshots of the inside of your body using X-rays. These X-rays scan your body from different angles; the pictures from all these angles are put together for a conclusive result.
  • PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography Scan) Trace amounts of radioactive substances are injected in your body to understand the situation better. It provides a detailed visual image of the tumor. This is usually done in combination with a CAT Scan or CT scan.
  • Ultrasound Ultrasound devices use sound waves to deliver an image of the internal organs or the affected areas. There are two types of Ultrasound devices- transabdominal Ultrasound device and endoscopic Ultrasound device.
  • PTC Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography is used to analyze the bile ducts and if there exists any blockage.
  • Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): A bendable tube is inserted into the area under evaluation. This tube has an attached camera that can take pictures. It is inserted from the mouth and elongated into the small intestine, in proximity to the Pancreas.

3.Biopsy

    Biopsy refers to tests on tissues removed from the Pancreas. A needle is injected (FNA-Fine Needle Aspiration) to remove cells from the Pancreas, to be tested in the lab. Molecular testing or molecular profiling may be carried out to understand the genetic roadmap of the mutated genes, their constituent proteins, and nutrients.