Pancreatic Cancer Screening Using Advanced Endoscopy
Pancreatic cancer moves fast, but at University Health, we can find it — and treat it — when it’s still in its early stages.
Discover how our gastroenterologists screen for pancreatic cancer using advanced endoscopy.
Advanced Endoscopic Ultrasounds Can Be Critical for Early Detection
For people with an increased risk for pancreatic cancer, doctors recommend a once-yearly MRI or endoscopic ultrasound to screen for pancreatic cancer. University Health gastroenterologists offer advanced endoscopic ultrasounds to find and treat pancreatic cysts and polyps (or tumors).
Benefits of Endoscopic Ultrasound
Endoscopic ultrasounds are very sensitive and can detect pancreatic cysts and polyps that an MRI might miss, as small as 1 millimeter.
Plus, many patients prefer being sedated for the ultrasound rather than being awake for an MRI, which can feel claustrophobic for some.
What to Expect
An endoscopic ultrasound creates an image of your pancreas using an endoscope, a thin, flexible tube with an ultrasound device attached to the end. During an endoscopic ultrasound, you will be sedated and will not feel anything.
It generally takes 30 minutes and is well tolerated. You can go home the same day (you’ll need someone to drive you).
Next Steps after Advanced Endoscopy
Your next steps will depend on the results of your endoscopic ultrasound. Your doctor will explain your results to you and your family and guide you through next steps.
If your imaging shows a mass, it will be more likely to be found early, and you have a high chance of a complete cure with early surgery.
If your doctors find a pancreatic cyst, they will take a sample of it to send to the lab for testing. They can take the sample during the initial ultrasound. If needed, they may recommend that you come in for more frequent screenings.
If your imaging is clear, your doctors will recommend you return next year for another screening on an annual basis.
Who Should Consider Pancreatic Cancer Screening?
Those with a genetic predisposition to pancreatic cancer and those with certain chronic conditions will qualify for screening, such as:
- People with one first-degree relative who had pancreatic cancer
- First-degree relatives are the biological mother, father, brothers or sisters
- People with two second-degree relatives who had pancreatic cancer
- Second-degree relatives are grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews
- People with conditions that predispose them to pancreatic cancer
- Chronic pancreatitis
- BRCA-1, BRCA-2 genes and specific other genetic syndromes such as Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
Depending on your age, you may start screening now or may wait until you are older. Your provider will let you know when to schedule your screening.
At What Age Should You Get Screen for Pancreatic Cancer?
The American Gastroenterological Association recommends the following:
Pancreatic Cancer Screening at Age 50
For high-risk individuals, screening should begin at age 50, or when they are 10 years younger than the initial age of familial onset. For example, if your mom was diagnosed at age 55, then get screened when you are age 45.
Pancreatic Cancer Screening at Age 40
If you are a carrier of CKDN2A and PRSS1 mutations with hereditary pancreatitis, begin screening at age 40.
Pancreatic Cancer Screening at Age 35
If you are diagnosed with Peutz–Jeghers syndrome, begin screening at age 35.
University Health advanced endoscopy specialists are here to monitor your health and guide you through every step of your care.
