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Diagnosis
If pancreatic cancer is suspected, the first step is to perform a series of tests. Imaging tests often are used to produce pictures of internal organs and tissues. If these tests detect pancreatic cancer that appears to be resectable (see the Staging section), surgery is often the next step. In some cases, a tumor marker CA 19-9 (cancer antigen) test also may be performed.
The following diagnostic tests may be used to help diagnose pancreatic cancer:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan)–In this test, the patient passes through a tunnel surrounded by a powerful magnet and a computer tracks the magnetism and produces pictures of the tissues being studied.
- Upper GI (gastrointestinal) series–In this procedure, the patient swallows a contrast solution containing the mineral barium. While the solution is in the digestive system, x-rays are taken to detect abnormalities.
- Computerized axial tomography (CAT scan or CT scan)–This is a specialized x-ray technique that produces detailed cross-sectional images of internal organs and tissues.
- Ultrasound–This test uses high frequency sound waves that bounce off structures in the patient's body. A computer translates these echoes into a sonogram image.
If imaging tests detect an abnormality that warrants further investigation, a biopsy may be performed. In a biopsy, a sample of tissue is removed and examined for cancer cells.
Treatment
There are three types of treatment methods for pancreatic cancer: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Treatment heavily depends on the stage of pancreatic cancer, type, and general health.
Surgery can be done to treat cases of pancreatic cancer that is considered curable or can be done to alleviate the symptoms caused by the tumor(s). A surgical procedure called a Whipple is most commonly performed in people whose cancer may be curable. During a Whipple, a large portion of the pancreas, part of the stomach, small intestine, gallbladder and bile duct are removed. Less common surgical methods include a total or distal pancreatectomy, the removal of the entire pancreas.
Prior to surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be given prior to surgery to increase the success of surgery by shrinking tumors and elimination of cancer cells. These treatments aren't for every patient and depends on stage of cancer and general health factors.
Radiation therapy is also an option for treating some people with pancreatic cancer. This type of treatment uses certain types of high-energy beams of radiation to shrink tumors or eliminate cancer cells. Radiation therapy works by damaging a cancer cell's DNA, making it unable to multiply. Although radiation therapy can damage nearby healthy cells, cancer cells are highly sensitive to radiation and typically die when treated. Healthy cells that are damaged during radiation are resilient and are often able to fully recover.
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