What is an accurate way to find pancreatic cancer early?

No perfect test: There is no perfect test at present. The existing tests (ct, mri, eus) are all much more useful when the tumor measures greater than 1 cm. Finding a good test for patients with very early pancreatic cancer is a topic of ongoing research across the country.

No screening test: Unfortunately there is no screening tests for pancreatic cancer. Ct scan can help identify pancreatic cancers but you would need symptoms first for a doctor to order such a study. But by that time many pancreatic cancers have become somewhat advanced. This is a tough cancer to diagnosis early and tough to treat.

No good method: Early pancreatic cancer does not cause specific signs and symptoms. If pancreatic cancer is suspected, various imaging techniques, e.g., ultrasound, ct, mri, ERCP etc may be used to determine if there is a mass. If one is found it may be sampled for pathologic examination by fine needle aspiration or biopsy.