# How pancreatic cancer is diagnosed: CT, EUS and biopsy > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/pancreatic-cancer/diagnosis ## In short A GP who suspects pancreatic cancer will arrange blood tests and urgent scans, usually CT. Specialist centres may use MRI, endoscopic ultrasound and a biopsy to confirm the type. Jaundice is sometimes relieved with a stent before further treatment. There is no home screening kit. Speed matters because only a minority of tumours can still be removed. About 95% of pancreatic cancers are exocrine tumours, usually ductal adenocarcinoma. A smaller group are neuroendocrine tumours, which often grow more slowly and are treated differently. UK care is organised through specialist HPB (hepatopancreaticobiliary) centres. Those units, CT scanners and chemotherapy are exactly what many patients overseas cannot reach. ## What tests confirm pancreatic cancer? CT of the chest, abdomen and pelvis maps the tumour and whether it involves major vessels or has spread. MRI and PET-CT are used in some pathways. Endoscopic ultrasound can take a needle biopsy through the stomach wall. Blood tests look at liver function and, sometimes, CA19-9 — a marker that can be raised in pancreatic cancer but is not accurate enough to use as a screening test. ## What if you are jaundiced? A blocked bile duct can be opened with an endoscopic stent so the liver can recover before surgery or chemotherapy. That step is both a treatment for symptoms and part of getting fit for further care. ## Why does specialist centre care matter? Whipple surgery and modern chemotherapy need experienced teams. In many low-income settings those teams, scanners and drugs are missing. World Aid Network funds treatment costs at partner hospitals — we do not perform the Whipple operation ourselves. ## Key takeaways - Diagnosis relies on specialist scans and usually a biopsy — not a home test. - CA19-9 can support the picture but is not a screening test. - Stenting can relieve jaundice before further treatment. - Specialist HPB units are where UK surgery is done. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/pancreatic-cancer - Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/pancreatic-cancer/symptoms - Diagnosis: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/pancreatic-cancer/diagnosis - Treatment options: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/pancreatic-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Is CA19-9 a screening test? No. It can be raised for other reasons and can be normal in some cancers. It is used alongside scans, not instead of them. ### How quickly should tests happen? Suspected pancreatic cancer is referred on an urgent NHS pathway. If you are getting more jaundiced or very unwell, seek urgent help rather than waiting. ### Does World Aid Network diagnose pancreatic cancer? No. We fund care that licensed partner oncologists recommend. UK diagnosis is through the NHS. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health.