A 48-year-old member asked:
Could a gi doctor detect pancreatic cancer while doing a scope?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Charles Sturgisanswered
Pathology 30 years experience
Possibly by ERCP: Ercp (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) is a procedure used to diagnose diseases of the biliary system, pancreas, and liver.
An endoscopist, gastroenterologist, uses a special endoscope. The endoscopist identifies the place where the bile duct comes into the intestine and then feeds a tiny catheter into the duct and squirts contrast into the bile system and pancreas ducts.
4.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Paxton Daniel commented
Radiology 40 years experience
Agree with Dr. Sturgis. Endoscopists may also use ultrasound through the scope to find/evaluate pancreatic masses.
Feb 19, 2014
Dr. Joseph Meleanswered
Plastic Surgery 33 years experience
Possibly: It requires a specialized type of upper endoscopy. Routine upper GI endoscopy does not visualize the pancreas, but an ERCP may identify a pancreatic mass effecting the pancreatic duct. Masses in the tail of the pancreas may not be detected. A ct scan , ultrasound, MRI or pet scan are more commonly used, but the diagnosis is often not made early. An ERCP is usually used after a mass is detected.
4.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jun 10, 2014
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