How Pancreatic Cancer is Diagnosed?
If you're wondering how pancreatic cancer is diagnosed, you can do a few things to make sure you get the best diagnosis. The first step is to make an appointment with your doctor. Bring a second pair of ears and a family member or close friend who speaks English. Write down any symptoms you are having, and be sure to follow up as soon as possible. If you experience symptoms that return or change, you should make an appointment with your doctor. Early detection of pancreatic cancer makes it much more treatable.
Exosomes are more accurate and promising biomarkers for pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
The use of exosomes in pancreatic cancer diagnosis could help physicians identify the disease earlier, thereby enhancing patient outcomes. Among the benefits of exosomes as biomarkers for pancreatic cancer diagnosis is their potential to be used as liquid biopsy tools. However, more research is needed to determine the exact role of exosomes in pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
As microvesicles secrete mRNA and miRNA from cells, exosomes may serve as novel biomarkers. Their molecular composition is thought to reflect the pathological and physiological changes of the releasing cell. In the future, exosomes may be used to diagnose neurodegenerative and malignant disorders. Currently, they are only used to identify cancer cells and monitor treatment responses.
Blood tests
While no single blood test can accurately diagnose pancreatic cancer, abnormal levels of various tumor markers in the blood can point to the condition. While not a definitive diagnosis, these blood tests can provide helpful information to your doctor, including the stage of your disease and a diagnosis of underlying diseases. A blood test that detects abnormal pancreatic enzyme levels can help your doctor determine whether you have the disease. In addition, the presence of certain markers may indicate inherited conditions.
Blood tests can also identify tumor cells. A biopsy can also be used to confirm the diagnosis. In this test, a thin needle is inserted into the pancreatic duct to obtain a tissue sample. While this procedure is less invasive than other methods, it does carry a high risk of spreading cancer. A biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, as the tumor cells may be present in several areas at once. However, blood tests are not reliable enough to detect pancreatic cancer without a biopsy.
Imaging tests
Imaging tests for pancreatic cancer diagnosis may consist of several procedures. These scans can help to clarify the diagnosis and guide treatment. The images help the doctor see the exact location of pancreatic cancer and surrounding blood vessels and organs. Imaging tests also help to determine the type of treatment needed. Patients who are suspicious of the presence of pancreatic cancer may be referred to a gastroenterologist, a specialist in diseases of the digestive system.
Another imaging test for pancreatic cancer diagnosis is endoscopic ultrasound. This procedure uses sound waves to make images of the pancreas and its ducts. The doctor will place a flexible endoscope with an ultrasound probe on its tip. This device is commonly called an echoendoscope. It is placed in the mouth after the patient is sedated. The endoscope can be moved into the stomach or duodenum to view the pancreas. In addition to pancreatic cancer, endoscopic ultrasound is also helpful in evaluating the depth of the upper gastrointestinal tract.
Surgery
How pancreatic cancer is diagnosed by surgery is difficult, but laparoscopy may be the best way to find out. The surgeon will remove the pancreas, the first part of the intestine, and the bottom half of the bile duct. If cancer is present in more than one part of the pancreas, the surgeon may perform a modified operation that removes part of the stomach. While this type of surgery is unlikely to cure the disease, it may alleviate symptoms and delay other treatments.
After the surgery, the surgeon will remove the head and body of the pancreas and other structures nearby. These structures include the bile duct, the gallbladder, and the lymph nodes near the pancreas. The surgeon will then reattach the remaining pancreas and bile duct to the small intestine.
