Pancreatic cancer – is early diagnosis possible?

Abstract:

Pancreatic cancer has a low prevalence, but it is an extremely unfavorable diagnosis with a high mortality rate and poor therapeutic options. Preventive screening is not indicated in the whole population; rather it targets the population at higher risk of pancreatic cancer. Early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is particularly important in patients with chronic pancreatitis, and in patients with cystic lesions of the pancreas. Endoscopic ultrasound with fine needle biopsy is currently the most effective method used to evaluate and monitor pancreatic lesions. However, it is an invasive, operatordependant procedure, not readily available to all target patients. Currently, new biomarkers are being developed for the early detection of premalignant and malignant lesions of the pancreas, with promising initial results. 

Key words:
endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration; pancreatitis, chronic; pancreatic cysts; pancreatic neoplasms