The pancreas is an important organ located in the abdomen and plays a major role in our bodies. Apart from being connected to our digestive system, it also produces hormones like insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. One of the most severe forms of cancer-pancreatic cancer- is often not talked about. Pancreatic cancer occurs when cancerous cells start growing inside the pancreas. Early detection is the key when it comes to managing this disease. This article will explore what tests may be used to make a pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer
So, how is pancreatic cancer detected? Tests recommended by healthcare providers for pancreatic cancer diagnosis are:
- Imaging techniques: Imaging tests provide a means to look within the body to view any issues with the organs properly. These tests can assist with determining the location of the abnormal cell growth and metastasis of the cancer. These tests include computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as an ultrasound.
- Endoscopic ultrasound: An ultrasound device with endoscopy functions can be a powerful tool for providing images of the digestive tract and nearby organs. Here, a thin tube with a camera (an endoscope) is inserted into the digestive tract through the mouth. After insertion, the ultrasound device present on the endoscope produces images of the pancreas and other internal organs through sound waves.
- Tissue biopsy: Here, a small tissue sample is taken from the patient and sent over to a diagnostic laboratory to check for the presence of abnormal cancerous growth. Tissue is collected with the help of an endoscopic ultrasound by inserting a needle through the skin into the pancreas. This procedure is also referred to as fine needle aspiration.
- Blood tests: Pancreatic cancer cells make specific types of proteins called tumour markers, which are released into the blood. Blood tests are usually done to detect the presence of these tumour markers. One such tumour marker is CA19-9. All types of pancreatic cancer cells do not make CA19-9; therefore, this test can be used for the detection of some types of cancer.
- Gene testing: Cancer runs in the family; therefore, gene or genetic testing is done to detect inherited DNA changes that increase the risk of cancer formation. Genetic testing is also helpful in deciding the treatment plan for the patient.
- After the diagnosis of cancer, the healthcare provider reviews the test results and determines the extent of cancer metastasis. This is called the staging of the cancer. The cancer prognosis and treatment plan depend on the cancer stage. Pancreatic cancer is assigned a stage from 0 to 4. In the 0-stage stage, cancer is limited to the pancreas, while in stage 4, cancer spreads to other parts of the body.
Conclusion
Pancreatic cancer occurs due to abnormal cancerous growth in the pancreas. Early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is an important step towards improving treatment outcomes. A variety of tests recommended for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer include endoscopic ultrasound, tissue biopsy, blood tests, and gene testing. A diagnosis of pancreatic cancer can be extremely taxing, placing an emotional and financial burden on you. A comprehensive health insurance plan can help cover the high cost of these diagnostic tests and can provide financial benefits to the patient.