Pancreatic tumors present a complex diagnostic challenge due to their diverse types and often late onset of symptoms. This article discusses the hurdles in diagnosing pancreatic tumors, including the limitations of clinical, biological, and imaging methods. Many pancreatic tumors remain asymptomatic in early stages, or present non-specific symptoms like abdominal pain and fatigue, making early diagnosis difficult.
Current diagnostic techniques involve imaging technologies like CT and MRI, often paired with endoscopic procedures and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) for biopsy. While cancer antigen CA 19-9 serves as a biomarker for pancreatic cancer, its specificity is limited. Research is ongoing to develop new biomarkers and genetic tests that could lead to earlier detection.
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a valuable tool, especially for detecting small tumors, and elastography helps assess tissue elasticity for more accurate tumor differentiation. Although advanced imaging techniques have improved the diagnostic process, each method has its constraints, prompting continued research into effective diagnostic algorithms.
Early and accurate diagnosis of pancreatic tumors is essential for improving treatment outcomes and patient survival rates. This article sheds light on the latest advancements and ongoing challenges in pancreatic tumor diagnosis.
Full Text: https://www.igminresearch.com/articles/html/igmin185
DOI Link: https://dx.doi.org/10.61927/igmin185
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