The preferred examination method for suspected pancreatic cancer

How to diagnose and identify pancreatic cancer? The main examination methods for pancreatic cancer include ultrasound examination, CT examination, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance pancreaticobiliary imaging (MRCP) examination, blood biochemical and immunological examination, puncture pathology examination, etc. The following is an introduction to these methods:

Diagnostic Methods for Pancreatic Cancer

1. Ultrasound examination:

Abdominal ultrasound is the preferred method for pancreatic cancer screening and diagnosis. It is easy to operate, non-destructive, non-radioactive, can be observed in multiple axes, and can better show the internal structure of the pancreas, the presence or absence of bile duct obstruction and the location of obstruction. The limitation of ultrasound is that it has a small field of view and is easily affected by the gas in the stomach and intestines and the body shape. At the same time, it should be emphasized that ultrasound is greatly affected by the level, experience, concept and equipment of the doctor who performs the examination, and has a certain degree of subjectivity. If necessary, it should be combined with enhanced CT, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and laboratory tests for comprehensive consideration.

2. CT examination:

CT is currently the best non-invasive imaging method for examining the pancreas, and is mainly used for the diagnosis and staging of pancreatic cancer. Plain scans can roughly show the size and location of the lesion, but cannot accurately diagnose the tumor, nor is it conducive to showing the relationship between the tumor and the surrounding structures. Enhanced scans can better show the size, location, shape, internal structure and relationship with the surrounding structures of pancreatic tumors. CT can more accurately determine whether there is liver metastasis and enlarged lymph nodes.

PET-CT examination is a method that has been widely used in the field of tumor diagnosis and treatment in recent years. It can more accurately evaluate

The nature and extent of the lesions are of great value for the staging diagnosis of malignant tumors and the selection of appropriate treatment plans. However, the high cost and the fact that most of the examinations are self-funded are a major bottleneck limiting their application.

3. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance pancreatocholangiopancreatography (MRCP) examinations:

Currently, it is not the first choice for diagnosing pancreatic cancer. However, when patients are allergic to CT contrast agents, MRI scans can be performed instead of enhanced CT for diagnosis and clinical staging. In addition, when some lesions are difficult to characterize, MRI examinations can be performed on the basis of CT examinations to supplement the deficiencies of CT images. MRCP has obvious advantages in determining whether there is bile duct obstruction, the location of obstruction, and the cause of obstruction. It is also safer than invasive examination methods such as endoscopic retrograde pancreaticobiliary angiography (ERCP) and transhepatic puncture cholangiography (PTC).

4. Blood biochemical and immunological examination:

(1) Biochemical examination:

There are no specific blood biochemical changes in the early stage. Tumor blocking the bile duct can cause elevated blood bilirubin, accompanied by enzymatic changes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). 40% of pancreatic cancer patients will experience elevated blood sugar and impaired glucose tolerance.

(2) Blood tumor marker examination:

Tumor markers such as CEA and CA19-9 may increase in the serum of pancreatic cancer, but this change is not absolute.

5. Pathological examination by puncture:

Under the guidance of surface ultrasound or ultrasound endoscopy, a puncture biopsy of the lesion site and histopathological or cytological examination of the specimens obtained can help confirm the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. However, a negative needle aspiration test cannot completely deny the diagnosis of malignancy. It is also necessary to combine imaging, laboratory tests and other examinations for comprehensive consideration. Repeated puncture may be required if necessary. It should be emphasized here that patients who are preparing for surgical treatment do not necessarily require a needle aspiration pathology diagnosis before surgery.

The above is an introduction to “pancreatic cancer examination methods”. I hope it will be helpful to pancreatic cancer patients. Pancreatic cancer patients must establish reasonable eating habits and living habits to help prevent the occurrence of pancreatic cancer.