Question 1

How do they test for pancreatic cancer?

Accepted Answer

This can be difficult to diagnose, but the most common methods are by a ct or MRI scan.  Also endoscopic ultrasound (eus) can be used to obtain a sample of the tissue (a biopsy).

Question 2

Can they test for pancreatic cancer to catch it early?

Accepted Answer

Most cases are detected at an advanced stage as no effective screening test exists for pancreatic cancer.

Question 3

How long does it take to get results from a test for pancreatic cancer?

Accepted Answer

To a blood test (ca 19-9), it is no way to check for pancreas cancer.  It may be a "send out" and take a week or 2, but high, low or normal you may or may not have pancreas cancer, and should ot have had this test. Symptoms(pain, belching, stool color and pattern change and signs (weight loss, pain, new diabetes, jaundice) should lead to imaging, endoscopy and biopsy, then ca-19-9 if positive.

Question 4

Where can i get screening test for pancreatic cancer?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunatley there are no good, easy screening tests for pancreatic cancer.  If you have a family history of the disease, your doctor may do ct or ultrasound examination of the pancreas/abdomen.

Question 5

Why is there still no screening test for pancreatic cancer ?  what's the hold up ?

Accepted Answer

There is little indication for screening for pancreatic cancer if you have no abdominal pain. If you do have pain you must see your primary doctor soon!

Question 6

Where can i pay for tests for pancreatic cancer in the u.s.?

Accepted Answer

There is no perfect test for pancreatic cancer though it is most commonly diagnosed with a pancreatic protocol ct or mri. Those can be done at most any facility.

Question 7

What is an accurate way to find pancreatic cancer early; what test can be done?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately there are no reliable blood tests for early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.  Fine needle aspirate and/or biospy is the only sure way to make a diagnsis and this modality can not be used for screening.

Question 8

I need to know what's an accurate way to find pancreatic cancer early like what test can be done?

Accepted Answer

Pancreatic cancer is difficult, unless it is located in the head and causes obstructive jaundice.  Early stage cases are found when an imaging study such as ct or mr is done for another reason and a pancreas mass is discovered incidentally, or accidentally.  Of course, cancers that are found and treated early have better prognosis, but in case of pancreas cancer, this difference is slight.

Question 9

How do you test for autoimmune pancreatitis as opposed to pancreatic cancer?

Accepted Answer

For autoimmune pancreatitis, the duct must be narrowed on imaging and there must be autoantibodies or a histopathologic / biopsy diagnosis. Diagnosing cancer is usually done by getting tissue for the pathologist by whatever means.

Question 10

Would untreated pancreatic cancer progress rapidly in a year?  tests normal and gi doc didn' t seem concernd but still worried. symptoms unchanged.

Accepted Answer

Pancreatic cancer is usually an aggressive malignancy with a fairly rapid course, even with therapy; with no therapy it is expected to progress quickly.  If i were asked about a patient who remained well a year after diagnosis i would question the diagnosis. If your GI doctor is unconcerned perhaps he/she knows it is a different diagnosis.  Ask for clarification.

How do they test for pancreatic cancer