How is pancreatic cancer diagnosed?

Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
Updated on September 15, 2024
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The most common symptoms of pancreatic cancer are pain in the upper abdomen and jaundice. During physical examination, a mass in the upper abdomen can be felt, which is a common symptom. When these symptoms appear, further abdominal ultrasound or CT scans should be performed, as these two are the most commonly used imaging methods for diagnosing pancreatic cancer. Additionally, pancreatic MRI or PET-CT can also help enhance the diagnostic accuracy for pancreatic cancer. MRCP and ERCP are also used to assess the bile ducts and to evaluate the feasibility of surgery. Blood tests for pancreatic cancer-related tumor markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CA19-9, are commonly performed, with CA19-9 being particularly sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

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Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
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What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer?

The most common symptom of pancreatic cancer is abdominal pain, typically pain in the upper abdomen. Jaundice is also common, especially in cancers of the head of the pancreas, where it is the most frequent clinical manifestation. Upon physical examination, some patients may have a palpable mass in the upper abdomen. Other common symptoms include gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, vomiting, a feeling of fullness after eating, and a decrease in appetite. These are some of the symptoms related to the digestive tract.

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Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
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Dietary Taboos for Patients with Pancreatic Cancer

Regarding the dietary restrictions for pancreatic cancer patients, there are no specific prohibitions. The main recommendation is to avoid what we typically refer to as junk food, such as barbecued foods and pickled products. Aside from avoiding these foods, it is important to focus on a nutritious and balanced diet, with a good mix of both meat and vegetables. Additionally, because pancreatic cancer patients may experience symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of fullness or discomfort in the upper abdomen, the diet should primarily consist of light and easily digestible foods. In doing so, while ensuring that the patient receives sufficient nutrition, it is best to consume foods that are easy to digest and nutritionally balanced.

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Written by Zhou Chen
Oncology
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What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer?

The clinical manifestations of pancreatic cancer mainly depend on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, whether there is metastasis, and the involvement of adjacent organs. The clinical characteristics include a short disease course, rapid progression, and swift deterioration. The most common symptom is upper abdominal distension and discomfort, pain, though not all patients experience tenderness; if tenderness is present, it aligns with the area of pain felt. Pain is a primary symptom of pancreatic cancer, present whether the cancer is located in the head or the body/tail of the pancreas. Jaundice is a main symptom of cancer in the head of the pancreas, and patients often exhibit more severe gastrointestinal symptoms, most commonly loss of appetite, followed by nausea and vomiting. There might also be diarrhea or constipation, even melena. Diarrhea is often steatorrhea. In the early stages of pancreatic cancer, common symptoms include weight loss and fatigue.

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Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
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Which test for pancreatic cancer is the most accurate?

Abdominal ultrasound and abdominal CT scans are the most commonly used imaging methods for diagnosing pancreatic cancer. Additionally, it is important to consider the patient's symptoms and blood tests for tumor markers, mainly IP antigen, CEA, and CA19-9. Confirming pancreatic cancer requires a biopsy to find cancer cells, which is the gold standard for diagnosis. Other tests can serve as screening and adjunct diagnostic tools. Confirmation requires a biopsy for pathological diagnosis or direct radical surgery followed by a postoperative pathological confirmation.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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How to deal with lower limb edema in advanced pancreatic cancer?

In late-stage pancreatic cancer, bilateral lower extremity edema should be considered possibly due to hypoalbuminemia, which leads to edema in both legs. It is also possible that cancer emboli in late-stage pancreatic cancer block the venous system, causing impaired venous return and resulting in bilateral lower extremity edema. To determine the specific cause, it is necessary to complete ultrasonographic examinations of the blood vessels in the lower limbs, as well as liver function tests, complete blood count, and others. After clarifying the diagnosis, appropriate treatment measures should be taken based on the different causes. For example, if the edema is caused by hypoalbuminemia, active supplementation with albumin and diuretics, among other treatments, is required. (Note: The use of medications should be carried out under the guidance of a professional doctor.)