How to Screen for Pancreatic Cancer
Determine whether or not you are at high risk.If you have had two or more first degree relatives with pancreatic cancer, you are deemed high risk., Book an appointment with a genetic counselor, doctor, or other health care professional who is...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Determine whether or not you are at high risk.If you have had two or more first degree relatives with pancreatic cancer
Alternatively, if you have had one first degree relative with pancreatic cancer diagnosed under the age of 50, you are also categorized as high risk.
Being "high risk" makes you eligible for screening tests for pancreatic cancer that are not currently made available to the general population.
You may also be categorized as high risk, if you test positive for a genetic syndrome that has been linked to a heightened risk of pancreatic cancer. -
Step 2: you are deemed high risk.
This person would can help you individually and your family understand their test options and results.
Your doctor would need access to a lab that does genetic testing, if you suspect this may apply to you.
Approximately 10% of pancreatic cancers are linked to genetic causes, and individuals who fall into the high risk category due to these causes are eligible for screening.,).The CT or MRI method of screening is available for high risk individuals.
The challenge with a CT or MRI scan is that it can be very hard to detect early and/or very small lesions on the pancreas or spreading to the duodenum, gall bladder, liver and such with imaging techniques alone.
However, it is better than nothing, and they are the best imaging options currently available.
It is also a quick and non-invasive test. , Instead of a CT or MRI scan, you can choose an ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) or an EUS (endoscopic ultrasound).Both of these rely on tubing being inserted into your digestive tract through your mouth while you are sleeping under anesthesia to closely examine the pancreas and surrounding areas first without contrast and minutes later with it (iodine "dye").
They are internal tests that involve some risks of bleeding or infection
-- and are more complex to perform
-- but can provide your doctor with a chance to see first-hand how your pancreas looks, and whether there are any suspicious or concerning lesions or tumors present there or nearby (that may indicate potential cancer). , In the future, there will likely be medical guidelines and recommendations/protocol; however, since screening is relatively new, it will currently be a decision made between you and your physician/care team. -
Step 3: Book an appointment with a genetic counselor
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Step 4: doctor
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Step 5: or other health care professional who is thoroughly trained in analysis of genetic tests.
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Step 6: Consider a CT (based on X-ray radiation
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Step 7: has safety concerns) versus MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging
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Step 8: problematic for recently installed stents
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Step 9: any other metal devices
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Step 10: plates
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Step 11: screws
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Step 12: Opt for a procedural screening test.
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Step 13: Know that there are currently no set guidelines around screening.Although there is consensus that screening should be made available to high risk individuals
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Step 14: the frequency and type of screening test is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Detailed Guide
Alternatively, if you have had one first degree relative with pancreatic cancer diagnosed under the age of 50, you are also categorized as high risk.
Being "high risk" makes you eligible for screening tests for pancreatic cancer that are not currently made available to the general population.
You may also be categorized as high risk, if you test positive for a genetic syndrome that has been linked to a heightened risk of pancreatic cancer.
This person would can help you individually and your family understand their test options and results.
Your doctor would need access to a lab that does genetic testing, if you suspect this may apply to you.
Approximately 10% of pancreatic cancers are linked to genetic causes, and individuals who fall into the high risk category due to these causes are eligible for screening.,).The CT or MRI method of screening is available for high risk individuals.
The challenge with a CT or MRI scan is that it can be very hard to detect early and/or very small lesions on the pancreas or spreading to the duodenum, gall bladder, liver and such with imaging techniques alone.
However, it is better than nothing, and they are the best imaging options currently available.
It is also a quick and non-invasive test. , Instead of a CT or MRI scan, you can choose an ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) or an EUS (endoscopic ultrasound).Both of these rely on tubing being inserted into your digestive tract through your mouth while you are sleeping under anesthesia to closely examine the pancreas and surrounding areas first without contrast and minutes later with it (iodine "dye").
They are internal tests that involve some risks of bleeding or infection
-- and are more complex to perform
-- but can provide your doctor with a chance to see first-hand how your pancreas looks, and whether there are any suspicious or concerning lesions or tumors present there or nearby (that may indicate potential cancer). , In the future, there will likely be medical guidelines and recommendations/protocol; however, since screening is relatively new, it will currently be a decision made between you and your physician/care team.
About the Author
Elizabeth Price
Committed to making DIY projects accessible and understandable for everyone.
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