However, the tissues of the pancreas are susceptible to cancer. A patient may not show symptoms initially but once materialized, your doctor might recommended undergoing a computed tomography (CT) scan for further analysis.
How Pancreatic Cancer Forms
When cells in the pancreas undergo changes to their DNA, they start to multiply uncontrollably and live longer than normal cells. These changes can lead to the formation of a tumor, typically starting in the ducts that transport digestive enzymes from the pancreas.
Tumors can also develop in the organ’s hormone-producing or neuroendocrine cells.
However, not all growths are cancerous. To confirm a diagnosis, a patient will have a biopsy, imaging and blood tests. Because pancreatic cancer is often not detected in its early stages, there is a higher likelihood that it has spread to other parts of the body.
Depending on the disease’s progression, your doctor may recommend surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or a combination of these treatments.
Patients who do have symptoms of pancreatic cancer may experience a combination of:
- Abdominal pain that progresses to the back
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes
- Itchy, irritated skin
- A recent diabetes diagnosis
- Light-colored stools
- Dark-colored urine
- Fatigue
- Blood clots
Individuals have a higher risk for developing pancreatic cancer if they:
- Smoke
- Already have diabetes or a family history of the condition
- Have pancreatitis
- Have a family history or genetic mutation for the disease
- Are obese
- Are over age 65
Diagnosing Pancreatic Cancer
A doctor will examine your history for risk factors and conduct a physical examination of the liver and gallbladder. The presence of pancreatic cancer can cause these organs to swell.
If you display any symptoms of cancer, your doctor may refer you to a gastroenterologist.
CT Scans
A computed tomography (CT) scan is useful for visualizing and creating a 3D representation of internal organs. It produces cross-sectional images of the body, offering detailed insight into the pancreas and helping to determine if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and other organs.
This procedure is less invasive than other methods and provides a higher level of detail compared to traditional X-rays, while also reducing radiation exposure. A contrast dye may also be used to enhance clarity.
Through the multidirectional images, doctors can identify the presence of a tumor and assess if the condition has spread. At this stage, CT technology may also be used to take a biopsy of the pancreatic tissues and determine whether the tumor is benign or cancerous.
For pancreatic cancer, multiple types of CT scans may be utilized:
- Multiphase CT Scan: Also known as a pancreatic protocol CT scan, this condition-specific procedure begins with an injection of contrast dye and involves multiple sets of scans.
- CT Scan-Guided Biopsy: This technology better identifies the location of the growth, so that a sufficient number of cells can be gathered from the tumor for analysis.
- PET/CT Scan: A positron emission tomography (PET) scan involves injecting a radioactive, sugar-based substance and observing it accumulate in the potentially cancerous cells. As this occurs, a camera captures the body’s activity. A combined PET/CT scan offers a detailed perspective of the pancreas, while examining the body’s response. This procedure may be requested to analyze exocrine pancreatic cancer that has started to spread.
Other Diagnostic Procedures
Along with a CT scan, your doctor or gastroenterologist may recommend:
- MRI: Although a CT scan is preferred, an MRI can provide greater insight into the pancreatic, bile ducts and blood vessels.
- Ultrasound: An abdominal or endoscopic ultrasound can reduce radiation exposure, while obtaining images of the pancreas.
- Blood Test: Samples will be examined for certain tumor markers that indicate the presence of cancer cells.
Has your doctor requested a CT scan of the abdominal area or a PET/CT scan? Contact Midstate Radiology Associates to make an appointment.
