What is Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is a disease that occurs when uncontrolled cell growth occurs in the tissues of the pancreas. Most pancreatic cancers begin in the cells that line the ducts carrying digestive enzymes out of the pancreas (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma). Treatment options depend on the extent of cancer, which may include pancreatic cancer surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these.
Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis
To diagnose pancreatic cancer, your pancreatic cancer surgeon in Singapore may perform the following:
- Review your medical and family history
- Perform a physical exam. This includes examining your skin, eyes, and body. Your doctor may press your abdomen to check for changes around the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder
- Perform blood tests
- Perform imaging tests such as CT scans or MRI
- Conduct a biopsy
Tests For Diagnosing Pancreatic Cancer
- Screening Test – While there are no standard screening tests for pancreatic cancer, most doctors recommend screening the patients who have risk factors, such as those with a family history of the disease or have associated conditions. Patients with strong family history can discuss with their doctor suitable monitoring options for them.
- Imaging Tests – These tests help your pancreatic cancer surgeon visualize your internal organs, especially your pancreas, which includes CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds and so on.
- Blood Tests – Your pancreatic cancer surgeon may test your blood from tumour markers shed by pancreatic cancer cells.
- Biopsy – A biopsy includes getting a small sample of the tumour and then looking at it under a microscope.
- Tumour Biomarker Testing – After getting a sample from the tumour tissue, the pancreatic cancer surgeon may test it further for biological details. Results can verify inherited mutations and make treatment decisions.
What’s Next After Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer can be overwhelming. Treatments for pancreatic conditions such as cancer depend on its stage and other factors such as age and other health conditions.
After your diagnosis, you may consider doing the following:
- speak to your doctor and become well-informed in your condition and options
- seek a second opinion
- check on financing options
- get support and resources
For more information on pancreatic cancer, seek advice from an accredited pancreatic cancer surgeon. Digestive & Liver Surgery Centre is led by Dr Victor Lee, an established pancreas and liver surgeon in Singapore. Our clinic provides specialist care in hepatobiliary, pancreatic cancer surgery as well as liver cancer surgery. Call us at 6475 1488 for more enquiries.
