Diagnosis
Because the pancreas sits deep in the belly (in the "retroperitoneum"), tumors of the pancreas can be very difficult to diagnose. A variety of diagnostic tests can be employed to determine if there is a mass in the pancreas, and to biopsy the mass. Once a pancreatic cancer is diagnosed, determining if the tumor has spread beyond the gland will help guide therapy. Understanding the stage of your tumor is critical to selecting the most appropriate therapy.
The links to the left outlines some of the currently available technology that your physician may use to diagnose your condition, it explains why and where pancreatic cancer can spread ("metastasis"), and it provides an overview of the currently employed staging system.
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Goldman Center funding from the Sol Goldman Charitable Trust.
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