Pancreatic Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis

History and physical examination and blood testing are the first steps. If pancreatic cancer is suspected, abdominal CT scan is the most commonly used imaging test. It can visualize a tumor and identify metastases. MRI scan may also be used to further evaluate the tumor. Ultimately, a biopsy is necessary for definitive diagnosis.

Treatment

Surgery is the only effective treatment. Unfortunately, the cancer is usually so far advanced that only 10 percent to 15 percent of cases are curable.

The surgery may remove only part of the pancreas (distal pancreatectomy). However, often the entire pancreas and surrounding tissues (including segments of the small intestine and gallbladder) must be removed.

In uncurable cases, treatment with radiation, chemotherapy, or various surgeries may be available to make the patient more comfortable.