7 things to know when having ultrasound examination for pancreatic cancer patients

Among the examination methods for pancreatic cancer, ultrasound examination is the preferred method for diagnosing pancreatic cancer. So, what should patients know about ultrasound examination?

1. Because barium meal will affect the display of the pancreas, patients should not undergo ultrasound examination on the day of X-ray barium meal examination and gastroscopy.

2. The patient should fast for 8-12 hours before the examination and should eat a light diet before that.

3. Patients with intestinal flatulence and constipation can take laxatives before going to bed and check after defecation in the morning. If the condition is still unsatisfactory, they can drink 500-800ml of water to fill the stomach and make a sound-transmitting window, so that the pancreas can be clearly displayed.

3. Patients are usually in the supine position during the examination. If the image is not clear, they can be in a semi-sitting or sitting position. If the examination is performed after drinking water, the patient can lie on the right side, and the pancreas can be clearly displayed after the stomach cavity is filled.

4. The inspection probe is placed at the level of 1-2 lumbar vertebrae in the middle of the upper abdomen and scanned in various sections to show the pancreas. The splenic vein, superior mesenteric artery, inferior vena cava, abdominal aorta and spine behind the pancreas are fixed in position and can be used as a landmark to find the pancreas.

5. Pancreatic cancer can occur in any part of the pancreas, but it is more common in the head of the pancreas, so the size of the head of the pancreas should be noted during the examination. If ultrasound shows that the thickness of the head of the pancreas is greater than 30mm and the thickness of the body of the pancreas is greater than 25mm, the patient may have pancreatic cancer and further diagnosis should be performed.

6. Pancreatic cancer may manifest as hypoechoic solid masses, irregular pancreatic body shape, visible tumors, pancreatic duct dilatation, bile duct dilatation, gallbladder enlargement, and intrahepatic metastases during ultrasound examination.

7. During the examination, it is necessary to carefully observe whether the mass and the corresponding organs move synchronously. You can change the body position, drink water, and perform repeated multi-section examinations to ensure the accuracy of the examination results.