Pancreatic cancer

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of death from cancer in the developed world. It has a dismal prognosis, with a mortality rate similar to its incidence. The overall 5-year survival rate is less than 5%. Early diagnosis and resection remain the only potential cure, but only a minority(5–30%) of tumors are detected when they are still resectable. However screening has not proved to be effective in the general population and is not recommended.

Spiral Computed Tomography (CT) is the best technique currently available for detecting and staging pancreatic cancer. MRI is useful for equivocal cases and allows better visualisation of the common bile duct through MRCP (MR Cholangio-pancreatography), which may be helpful in operative planning. Ultrasound is often the first exam to detect a pancreatic cancer in those patients presenting with jaundice, but more accurate staging with Spiral CT is required to plan treatment.