Similarly, in an angiography, dye is injected into the blood vessels so that the doctor can perform X-rays and identify blockages. If the physician finds cancer cells in the pancreas, he or she may order additional tests to determine the extent of the disease and whether or not it has spread to other parts of the body. Pancreatic cancer is difficult to control and can be cured only when it is found at an early stage. Often by the time cancer of the pancreas is found, it has often spread to other parts of the body. That's why it is important to get any symptoms checked out as soon as possible.
Treatment depends upon the exact location, size, type and extent of the tumor.
The patient's age and current health are considered in developing a customized treatment plan. Treatment may include surgery , chemotherapy and radiation therapy , alone or in combination. In addition to standard treatments, you may choose to participate in a clinical trial , a carefully designed research study in which doctors attempt to identify more effective ways to treat pancreatic cancer. The University of Pennsylvania's Gastrointestinal Cancer Program offers evaluation and treatment services for patients with pancreatic cancer. Diagnosed patients benefit from a thorough evaluation during a single visit.