Biopsy
ERCP
MRI
PET ( Positron Emission Tomography ) Scan
Biopsy
A biopsy is a procedure in which tissue is removed for microscopic examination . Most often , a gastroenterologist will take a biopsy while doing an endoscopic ultrasound . This tissue is sent to the pathologist , a doctor who looks at the cells under a microscope in order to obtain a diagnosis . This is needed to begin a treatment plan .
ERCP
( Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography )
A gastroenterologist passes an endoscope through the mouth , down the throat , and into the stomach and the first part of the small intestine . A smaller tube ( catheter ) is inserted through the endoscope into the bile ducts and pancreatic ducts . Contrast material is injected through the catheter , and an X-ray is taken . The X-ray can show any narrowed or blocked ducts , which may be the result of a tumor . If needed , the GI doctor can place a stent to relieve the obstruction of bile flow , which causes jaundice .
MRI
( Magnetic Resonance Imaging )
A large machine with a strong magnet linked to a computer is used to make detailed pictures of areas inside your body . You will hear loud banging noises during an MRI . You will have to remain very still during this test . Please tell your doctor if you think this will be difficult or if you are claustrophobic .
PET ( Positron Emission Tomography ) Scan
A PET scan is a type of test that may or may not be needed . You receive an injection of radioactive sugar that gives off signals that the PET scan picks up . Cancer cells show up brighter because they take up the sugar faster than normal cells do . It can help show cancer that has spread to other parts of the body . Not all tumors take up the sugars injected , so not all tumors will show up on PET scans .
Staging
A staging system is a standardized way in which the cancer care team describes the extent that a cancer has spread . The main system used to describe the stages of cancers of the pancreas is the TNM system . It contains three key pieces of information :
• T describes the size of the primary tumor ( s ), measured in centimeters ( cm ), and whether the cancer has spread within the pancreas or to nearby organs .
• N describes the spread to nearby lymph nodes .
• M indicates whether the cancer has metastasized ( spread ) to other organs of the body . The most common sites of pancreatic cancer spread are the liver , the lungs , and the peritoneum — the space around the digestive organs .
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