Pancreatic Exocrine Cancer: Tests
A disease in which malignant (cancer) cells are found in the tissues of the pancreas. Also called exocrine cancer.
Part of: Pancreatic Exocrine Cancer
Tests for Pancreatic Exocrine Cancer
Tests that examine the pancreas are used to detect (find), diagnose, and stage pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer is usually diagnosed with tests and procedures that make pictures of the pancreas and the area around it. The process used to find out if cancer cells have spread within and around the pancreas is called staging. Tests and procedures to detect, diagnose, and stage pancreatic cancer are usually done at the same time. In order to plan treatment, it is important to know the stage of the disease and whether or not the pancreatic cancer can be removed by surgery.
The following tests and procedures may be used:
Physical exam and history: An exam of the body to check general signs of health, including checking for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. A history of the patient’s health habits and past illnesses and treatments will also be taken…