Tests after diagnosis for pancreatic cancer

You may have more tests after your diagnosis to find out:

• How large is the cancer?
• Where exactly is the cancer?
• Has the cancer spread to any other parts of your body?

This is called staging. Staging tests for pancreatic cancer include:

CT scan of the pancreas / thorax / abdomen / pelvis

This is a special type of X-ray that gives a detailed 3D picture of the tissues inside your body. It is the most important test in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. It is also important when planning surgery.

Endoscopic ultrasound scan (EUS) 

An EUS is frequently used in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancers. This test uses an endoscope, which is a thin tube that the doctor passes down your throat. It has an ultrasound tip which gives very detailed close-up pictures of the pancreas. A biopsy needle can be passed through the scope so that a sample of the tumour can be taken. This can confirm the diagnosis of a cancer. An EUS and biopsy may be done to complete the staging of your cancer. This test is usually done as a day case admission - this means you do not have to stay in hospital overnight. Before the test, you may be given sedation intravenously (through a drip) to relax you.

MRI pancreas scan

An MRI scan uses magnetic energy and radio waves to create a picture of the tissues inside your body. MRI scans are sometimes used to clarify any irregularity seen on a CT scan. During the scan you will lie inside a tunnel-like machine for around 40-60 minutes. Usually, you can go home after the scan.

MRCP scan

This stands for magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. It is a type of MRI scan that shows up the pancreatic duct, bile ducts and gallbladder in more detail. It is often helpful in planning treatment of jaundice due to a tumour. It takes about 20 minutes.

PET scan

A PET scan can show if the cancer has spread to other tissues and organs. A low dose of radiotracer (radioactive sugar) is injected into your arm. An hour or so later you will have a scan. The scan uses the radiotracer to highlight cancer cells in the body. PET scans are not routinely used in pancreas cancer but are sometimes useful in staging the disease.

ERCP

ERCP stands for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Your doctor passes a thin, flexible tube with a camera and a light down your throat and through your stomach. Your doctor can see the inside of your stomach and duodenum and can inject dye into the bile duct. These can be seen on X-rays and will show up any signs of blockage which may be due to cancer. Your doctor may also be able to take samples of the cancer (biopsy), which can be examined in the lab.

PTC (percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography)

Similar to an ERCP, this test gives X-ray images of the pancreas/bile ducts and surrounding area.