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1. Clinical presentation assessment
A detailed history is obtained regarding pain characteristics, degree of jaundice, and weight change; persistent back pain is an important warning sign.
2. Imaging examinations
Contrast-enhanced CT evaluates tumor size and vascular relationships, while endoscopic ultrasonography is more sensitive for small lesions.
3. Tumor marker testing
CA19-9 is the most commonly used marker but has limited specificity; combining it with CEA may improve diagnostic accuracy.
4. Pathological diagnosis
Specimens obtained by EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) or surgical biopsy are used for histopathological confirmation, which remains the gold standard.
5. Minimally invasive diagnostic techniques
Laparoscopy combined with intraoperative ultrasonography improves staging accuracy, and emerging technologies may enable real-time characterization of tumor biology.
6. Reassessment after neoadjuvant therapy
Resectability is reassessed by integrating imaging findings and dynamic changes in CA19-9, directly informing surgical decision-making.
7. Molecular diagnostics
Testing for mutations such as KRAS and BRCA provides prognostic information and potential therapeutic targets.
Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine emphasizes that pancreatic cancer is highly aggressive, diagnostically complex, and life-threatening. Early diagnosis and precise classification are key to improving cure rates. A standardized and systematic diagnostic pathway provides the basis for individualized treatment. The public should remain vigilant for early warning signs, undergo regular health examinations, and seek timely medical evaluation when symptoms occur.
1. Clinical presentation assessment
A detailed history is obtained regarding pain characteristics, degree of jaundice, and weight change; persistent back pain is an important warning sign.
2. Imaging examinations
Contrast-enhanced CT evaluates tumor size and vascular relationships, while endoscopic ultrasonography is more sensitive for small lesions.
3. Tumor marker testing
CA19-9 is the most commonly used marker but has limited specificity; combining it with CEA may improve diagnostic accuracy.
4. Pathological diagnosis
Specimens obtained by EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) or surgical biopsy are used for histopathological confirmation, which remains the gold standard.
5. Minimally invasive diagnostic techniques
Laparoscopy combined with intraoperative ultrasonography improves staging accuracy, and emerging technologies may enable real-time characterization of tumor biology.
6. Reassessment after neoadjuvant therapy
Resectability is reassessed by integrating imaging findings and dynamic changes in CA19-9, directly informing surgical decision-making.
7. Molecular diagnostics
Testing for mutations such as KRAS and BRCA provides prognostic information and potential therapeutic targets.
Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine emphasizes that pancreatic cancer is highly aggressive, diagnostically complex, and life-threatening. Early diagnosis and precise classification are key to improving cure rates. A standardized and systematic diagnostic pathway provides the basis for individualized treatment. The public should remain vigilant for early warning signs, undergo regular health examinations, and seek timely medical evaluation when symptoms occur.