What kind of doctor diagnosis pancreatic cancer

Tumor markers Tumor markers are substances released into the body by a tumor. Imaging studies Imaging screenings provide a visual snapshot of the pancreas to expose potential abnormalities. Tests may include: Computed tomography CT scan creates a detailed, often-3D image using X-rays taken from different angles. A contrast dye injected at the start of the procedure may help assess the pancreas and visualize affected areas.

CT scans are able to provide clear images of the pancreas, as well as indicate whether pancreatic cancer has spread to nearby structures such as organs and lymph nodes. These images can also help your doctor determine whether surgery is a viable treatment option. Because cancerous cells use more sugar than normal cells, they appear brighter in the images.

A PET scan may also be used to see whether exocrine pancreatic cancers have spread. Endoscopic ultrasound EUS uses an endoscope to insert an ultrasound probe adjacent to the pancreas to obtain detailed images.

During the procedure, your doctor can view the digestive tract wall, as well as nearby lymph nodes, organs and blood vessels. If a tumor is present in the pancreas, it should be visible on an EUS. Tissue or fluid samples may be taken during this time if a biopsy is needed.

A biopsy is the only way to confirm a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging MRI uses radio waves and magnets to produce detailed images of the pancreas and bile ducts. Although CT scans are usually the preferred method of viewing the pancreas, sometimes an MRI may be done to help your doctor determine whether further testing is warranted. Cholangiopancreatography refers to imaging tests that show the bile ducts and pancreatic ducts. These tests may also be used to establish a plan for surgery.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography ERCP creates images using a scope inserted into the throat. A dye is injected to make the ducts visible, and the doctor will be able to view the ampulla of Vater, the area where the bile duct releases into your small intestine.

Any blockages or narrowing of the bile ducts, possibly caused by pancreatic cancer, may be seen via X-ray images taken during the procedure. Search research projects. Fund a research award. How much do we spend on external research? Clinical Trials. Clinical Trials Find out how we help patients access clinical trials.

Search our research. Search our research Search the vast number of projects we've been involved in over the years. Meet our researchers. Meet our researchers Team of researchers who have expanded our understanding of cancer.

Our Forgotten Cancers Program. Our Forgotten Cancers Program Improving survival for less common and low survival cancers. Research ethics and guidelines Learn about our research ethics and research practice guidelines.

Research integrity. Research integrity Principles for the responsible and ethical conduct of research. Victorian Cancer Registry. About us. Fact sheets and annual reports. Accessing and requesting data. VCR interactive data cube.

Data access costs. Legal and governance framework. Data linkage services. Recruitment and research studies. Contact us. Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer.

Meet the team. Major research projects. Cancer Epidemiology Division. About CED. Programs and studies. Genetic epidemiology. Prostate cancer epidemiology. Collaborate with CED. Dietary questionnaires. Health ABC Study. Contact the Cancer Epidemiology Division. Get involved. Make a one-off donation. Make a regular donation.

Honour your loved one. Leave a gift in your Will A gift of hope for generations to come. The March Charge. Shave or chop your hair. Get active. Relay For Life. Australia's Biggest Morning Tea. Fundraise your way. Fundraising on Facebook. Daffodil Day. Dry July. Girls' Night In.

Walking Stars. The Longest Day. Volunteer with us. Ways of volunteering. Regional fundraising groups. Corporate volunteering. How do I become a volunteer? Volunteer opportunities. Volunteering FAQs. Community engagement. Register your interest. Your stories. Give a major gift. Our work. Partner with us. Become a corporate supporter There are many ways corporates can support our work. Fund cancer research. Fund cancer research Fund a specific type of cancer research and earn a research award.

Honour your loved one Create a lasting space to remember your loved one or give in memory. Give in celebration Make a lasting contribution when you celebrate your next special occasion. Donate a holiday. Donate a holiday Give a cancer patient some time away in your holiday home. Shop online Cancer Council's online store offers ultimate sun protection solutions.

Health professionals. Industry news and resources. Referrals to our cancer nurses. Don't Delay. Cancer treatment FAQs. Essential services and supplies. News Read our latest news for health professionals. Cancer support referral Request a call back from a cancer nurse for one of your patients or carers. Order free publications. Order free publications Order a limited number of our free booklets and brochures.

Education and training. Cancer education programs. Effective cancer communication. Advanced Communication Skills Retreat Clinical consultation skills webinar. Advance care planning webinars. Cervical screening providers. Cervical screening directory. Cervical screening certification. Cervical screening resources. Nurse Ambassador Program. Nurse scholarships.

Optimal Care Pathways The Optimal Care Pathways formerly Patient Management Frameworks were developed to provide a consistent statewide approach to care management in each tumour stream.

Clinical Network. Clinical Network overview. What we do. Join the Clinical Network. Clinical Network Executive Committee. Victorian Cancer Plan. Community health.

If you have recently been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, find out more about what your diagnosis means. You can also speak to our specialist nurses on our free Support Line about the tests you are having or your diagnosis. Email us at publications pancreaticcancer. We would like to thank the following people who reviewed our information on how pancreatic cancer is diagnosed:. How is pancreatic cancer diagnosed?

This section is for anyone having tests for pancreatic cancer. It explains the different tests, what they involve, and what your test results mean. What is in the 'How is pancreatic cancer diagnosed? An exception is for patients with a mass located in a single area of the pancreas that can be removed with surgery even if a biopsy is not performed or the biopsy does not show cancer cells. Molecular testing of the tumor.

Your doctor may recommend additional molecular testing on the tumor sample to look for changes in specific genes and proteins. You may also request that this testing be done. Some molecular tests can be done in your local hospital laboratory. For other tests, the sample may need to be sent to an independent laboratory for analysis. For such tests as drug assays, talk with your doctor about the potential information they could provide that would help plan your treatment and whether such tests are covered by your insurance.

You may also request in all academic centers that your tumor biopsy specimens be fresh frozen, as this expands the types of molecular testing which can be done on the biopsy sample.

For patients with pancreatic cancer who are candidates for treatment, testing should be done to look for evidence of high microsatellite instability MSI-high or defective mismatch repair dMMR ; for mutations in the BRCA gene, as well as other genes involved in DNA damage repair; and for a specific genetic alteration called an NTRK fusion. These tests may help doctors determine your treatment options , including targeted therapy.

However, these genetic changes are not common in pancreatic tumors. Talk with your health care team about whether genetic testing is right for you and whether you should speak with a genetic counselor.

It is helpful to find out the type and amount of tumor sample needed for these tests and if they are covered by your health insurance.

You may need to have another biopsy to get a large enough tissue sample for more extensive testing.

Sometimes, however, a blood test can provide information on the molecular or genetic features of your cancer. Talk with your doctor for more information. People who have surgery may also choose to donate parts of the tumor that are not needed for your cancer care so the samples can be used to further pancreatic cancer research. Germline testing. It is now recommended that all people with a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer be considered for germline testing see Risk Factors.

This means testing a blood or saliva sample to look for mutations in a person's DNA that may indicate a hereditary predisposition to cancer. This is typically performed in addition to a visit with a genetic counselor. If a person is found to be a carrier for particular genetic mutations, this may help guide the treatment decisions if pancreatic cancer is diagnosed. It would also signal that their family members may want to consider genetic testing. After diagnostic tests are done, your doctor will review all of the results with you, including the exact type of cancer you have, how much the cancer has grown and spread called the stage , and the options for treatment.

The next section in this guide is Stages. It explains the system doctors use to describe the extent of the disease. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide. Pancreatic Cancer: Diagnosis Approved by the Cancer. Your doctor may consider these factors when choosing a diagnostic test: The type of cancer suspected Your signs and symptoms Your age, general health, and family history The results of earlier medical tests If a doctor suspects that a person has pancreatic cancer, they will first ask about the person's medical history and family history.

General tests Physical examination. Imaging tests Imaging tests help doctors find out where the cancer is located and whether it has spread from the pancreas to other parts of the body. There are 2 types of ultrasound devices: A transabdominal ultrasound device is placed against the outside of the abdomen and is slowly moved around by the doctor to produce an image of the pancreas and surrounding structures. Biopsy and tissue tests Biopsy. There are a couple of different ways to collect a tissue sample: Fine needle aspiration FNA.

Types of Cancer. Pancreatic Cancer Guide. Net Guide Pancreatic Cancer.