Pancreatic Cancer Screening

There are no routine screening tests for pancreatic cancer for the general population. However, screening may be recommended if you have an elevated risk of pancreatic cancer due to a family history of the disease, a genetic mutation (such as a BRCA2 mutation or other genetic syndrome), or pancreatic cysts (which sometimes can become cancerous). If you have these risk factors, speak with your primary care doctor or gastroenterologist for guidance on screening. We offer genetic counseling and testing at Englewood Health.

Screening tests may include:

• Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) to look for abnormalities.
• Endoscopic ultrasound to more closely examine anything suspicious detected on MRCP.

Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis and Staging

Pancreatic cancer is difficult to diagnose early. Many people do not experience symptoms until the disease has progressed.

The specialists at Englewood Health use the most sophisticated techniques to find pancreatic cancer and neuroendocrine tumors. Your gastroenterologist may order one or more of these tests:

• Blood tests to look for pancreatic cancer tumor markers and to assess liver function, which may be affected if pancreatic cancer blocks a bile duct.
• Endoscopic ultrasound to get detailed images of the pancreas using sound waves and a scope.
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to check the pancreatic and bile ducts for cancer.
• Biopsy to obtain tissue samples to be analyzed for cancer cells.
• CT scanning and other imaging tests to visualize the cancer's location and see if it has spread. This process, called staging, provides information that doctors need to match you with the best treatment.

If we learn you have pancreatic cancer, our pathologists will analyze your tissue samples and DNA. The results of these tests can help guide treatment planning, such as the need for more intensive treatment.