How is Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosed?

In addition to a complete medical history and medical examination, diagnostic procedures for pancreatic cancer may include: Endoscopic ultrasound: A specialized diagnostic technique that uses high-frequency sound waves delivered through an endoscope to create high-quality images of the upper GI tract, including the pancreas Computed Tomography (CT or CAT scan): A non-invasive procedure that takes cross-sectional images of the brain or other internal organs to detect any abnormalities that may not show up on an ordinary x-ray Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A non-invasive procedure that produces two-dimensional views of an internal organ or structure, especially the brain and spinal cord Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): This procedure involves inserting an endoscope, which is an advanced viewing tube, through the stomach and into the small intestine. A special dye injected during this procedure shows the ducts in the biliary system. Biopsy of the pancreas Special blood tests

Pancreatic Cancer Care

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Why choose Ochsner for pancreatic cancer care?

The pancreatic cancer team at Ochsner Health uses advanced minimally invasive surgical approaches to pancreatic cancer treatment. We see patients at clinics in New Orleans, Kenner, Covington, Lafayette, Crowley and Shreveport, Louisiana.

Ochsner is nationally ranked in gastroenterology and GI surgery. Our team includes oncologists, nurse navigators, pharmacists, psychologists and social workers who will be beside you every step of the way. Our team's knowledge, talent and experience helps our patients thrive.

Cancerous tumors in the pancreas include:

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma: The most common type of pancreatic cancer that occurs in the lining of the pancreatic duct.
Cystadenocarcinoma: A rare pancreatic cancer that develops from a fluid-filled noncancerous (benign) tumor called a cystadenoma.
Pancreatic Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs): A rare tumor that arise from endocrine cells within or near the pancreas, NETs account for less than 5% of all pancreatic tumors.

Some noncancerous tumors in the pancreas include:

Insulinoma: A rare pancreatic tumor that secretes insulin, which is the hormone that lowers glucose levels in the blood.
Gastrinoma: A tumor that secretes above average levels of gastrin, a hormone which stimulates the stomach to secrete acids and enzymes. Gastrinoma can also cause peptic ulcers.
Glucagonoma: A tumor that secretes glucagon, a hormone which raises levels of glucose in the blood and leads to a rash.
Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN): A tumor that grows within the pancreatic ducts characterized by the production of mucinous.

In addition to a complete medical history and medical examination, diagnostic procedures for pancreatic cancer may include:

Endoscopic ultrasound: A specialized diagnostic technique that uses high-frequency sound waves delivered through an endoscope to create high-quality images of the upper GI tract, including the pancreas
Computed Tomography (CT or CAT scan): A non-invasive procedure that takes cross-sectional images of the brain or other internal organs to detect any abnormalities that may not show up on an ordinary x-ray
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A non-invasive procedure that produces two-dimensional views of an internal organ or structure, especially the brain and spinal cord
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): This procedure involves inserting an endoscope, which is an advanced viewing tube, through the stomach and into the small intestine. A special dye injected during this procedure shows the ducts in the biliary system.
Biopsy of the pancreas
Special blood tests

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Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center

Ochsner Health and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center partnered to create Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center in southeastern Louisiana. Cancer patients in the region now have access to cancer treatments that are among the most advanced in the nation. Through this collaboration, Ochsner is the first and only provider in Louisiana with a fully integrated cancer program based on MD Anderson’s standards and treatment plans.