SO far we have talked about risk factors, symptoms and types of pancreatic cancer so today we are going to talk about some of the tests that are run to check for pancreatic cancer. The first is the computer tomography scan also known as a CT scan. Now most people have heard of a CT it is a very common test. You simply lay on a table and a CT scanner sits over you and internal parts of the machine rotate around the area being scanned.
Now if you are like me you would be thinking ugh I hate CT’s I really do. The test itself is a piece of cake but that contrast that you drink is disgusting. We have a local imaging center that now uses whole milk and can even use chocolate milk. If you need a CT you should ask if milk is an option at that center. A CT scan will show the pancreas very clearly and can also show if the cancer has spread to any other organs or lymph nodes.
Another tool used for pancreatic problems is the MRI’s. MRI;s use magnets and radio waves instead of X-Rays. MRI’s do not have the contrast that you drink but some people do not like the MRI because of the claustrophobia. For me having an MRI is an automatic prescription for a very strong valium pill or an IV to make me relaxed. I am very claustrophobic and actually get physically sick in the MRI tube. It makes me feel like I am in a coffin and I just can’t do it without medicine.
A test that I had never heard of is a somatostatin receptor scintigraphy also known as an SRS. This test is useful in diagnosing specific pancreatic tumors. This test uses a hormone like substance that has been attached to a radioactive substance. This substance then attaches itself to the proteins on the tumor cells. The radioactive material is injected into a vein and then about 4 hours later they use a special camera to see where the radioactive material has collected.
A test that is very similar to the SRS is the PET scan. With the PET they inject radioactive sugar into the blood and then about an hour later you lay on a table while a special camera photographs where the radioactive material is.
If cancer is suspected the next step would be an endoscopic ultrasound. With this test the patient is put under anesthesia and a scope is placed down the throat into the intestines (like an upper gi). The scope has a camera attached to it. This gives a real time look at the pancreas and intestines. This test shows even small tumors another benefit of this is while you are sedated you can be biopsied at the same time.