Pancreatic Cancer
Tests
Unfortunately, there are no laboratory tests available for the early detection or diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Diagnosis usually is made after the cancer has already spread, using imaging tests and biopsy.
Laboratory tests that are useful with pancreatic cancer include:
Unfortunately, there are no laboratory tests available for the early detection or diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Diagnosis usually is made after the cancer has already spread, using imaging tests and biopsy.
Laboratory tests that are useful with pancreatic cancer include:
- CA 19-9 (Cancer Antigen 19-9): a tumour marker for pancreatic cancer; it may be used to monitor for cancer recurrence but is not useful for detection or diagnosis
- CEA (Carcinoembryonic antigen): used as a monitoring tool
- Other tests, such as faecal fat, stool chymotrypsin, blood immunoreactive trypsin (IRT), amylase, and lipase may be evaluated to help determine how well the pancreas is functioning and whether pancreatic enzyme supplementation is necessary.
- CT (computed tomography) scan: useful for detecting pancreas masses and checking for metastasised cancer
- ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography): may be used to introduce a dye for X-rays or to place a stent (a metal or plastic tube that can help keep a duct open and functioning)
- Transabdominal ultrasound
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
- Biopsy: used to confirm diagnosis of cancer, often in conjunction with CT scan
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