What possible results can my mother expect from her biopsy for pancreatic cancer?

Yes or no: If it is common pancreatic cancer, she may be a candidate for possible cure by the brutal but sometimes lifesaving whipple procedure. If this is not possible, be sure her consent to any other treatment is well-informed. If it is not cancer, have a party. If it is an unusual cancer or odd benign tumor, have two pathologists sign and take it to tumor conference. Good luck to you both.

Cancer or uncertian: When biopsies are done for pancreatic cancer they are interpreted as either positive for the presence of malignancy or non-diagnostic. In the world of pancreatic cancer if a biopsy shows cancer, you have it. If it doesn't show cancer it is considered indeterminate. This is because tumor cells could be right next to the biopsied cells but missed. This unfortunate fact is very frustrating to...

Continued: Both the patient and physician. Being on both sides of the issue (a surgeon who treats pancreatic cancer and someone whose family has been affected by the disease) i can assure you it is frustrating on both ends.