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How Effective is the Whipple Operation

How is Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosed?

Pancreatic cancer is generally considered to be a disease that is difficult to prevent, and often late to diagnose, due to the lack of obvious symptoms in the early stages. The symptoms that do occur — such as pain or weight loss — are often mistaken for signs of other illnesses

A healthy pancreas aids in proper digestion and regulates the glucose level of the body. Besides staying active, in shape, and eating well, consulting a pancreatic cancer surgeon and learning what you need to know about pancreatic cancer can help you know what to look out for.

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.

Treatment for hepatobiliary conditions,such as those affecting the liver and gallbladder,are complex and require specialized expertise to manage effectively.

For a personalized assessment, contact our clinic at 6737 8878 or drop us a message here.
Your welfare is our priority and we will be in touch with you soon.

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