Three methods of pancreatic cancer testing and a story about getting tested for pancreatic cancer at Hanlim University Hospital.

Let's learn about the symptoms of silent pancreatic cancer and three types of pancreatic cancer tests, and I will share my experience of having a pancreatic cancer screening at nearby Hanlim University Hospital.

 

The pancreas sends pancreatic juice to the duodenum to secrete digestive enzymes and also functions as an endocrine gland by releasing hormones into the bloodstream.

 

If there is a malfunction in the function of the pancreas, problems with the secretion of digestive enzymes can occur, leading to difficulty in digesting food, issues with nutrient absorption, deterioration of nutritional status, and symptoms such as weight loss.

 

Additionally, among hormones related to the endocrine system, insulin and glucagon, which play a crucial role in blood sugar regulation, are secreted. When pancreatic function weakens, problems in the secretion of these insulin and glucagon can occur, leading to diabetes.

 

It also plays a major role in the consumption and storage of energy through the food we intake.

 

There are still no significantly meaningful causes identified for the development of pancreatic cancer.

Therefore, it is also believed that modern dietary issues or stress are causes.

 

Therefore, the main causes of pancreatic cancer are reported to be alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, family history, age, and exposure to chemicals.

 

There are three main methods for pancreatic cancer testing.

1) Serological test

2) Radiological examination

3) Biopsy

 

Serological tests include the general blood tests and tumor marker tests that we perform during health screenings.

During tumor marker testing, pancreatic cancer markers are used to check for an increase in levels.

I believe that tumor marker tests cannot be fully trusted because in cases of early pancreatic cancer, the levels of pancreatic cancer markers can sometimes appear normal.

 

Imaging examinations include abdominal ultrasound, abdominal computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and endoscopic examinations.

 

Most often, the presence of pancreatic cancer is determined through abdominal ultrasound.

 

Abdominal computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are advanced technologies that are useful for detecting pancreatic cancer located deep within the patient's internal organs.

 

In the case of endoscopic examinations, since proficiency in the procedure is required, it is performed based on the medical team's judgment.

 

In my case, I experienced indigestion, vomiting, and intermittent abdominal pain, so I visited a nearby clinic several times and was prescribed medication, but I didn't get better, so I eventually went to a university hospital.

 

I heard shocking news that, based on the duration of symptoms and prognosis, severe cases might be suspected of pancreatic cancer, so I immediately went for an examination.

 

In my case, I underwent a serum test, abdominal computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and endoscopy.

 

A small cyst was found in the pancreas during the examination, and a biopsy was immediately performed via endoscopy. Fortunately, the results indicated that it was not a tumor.

 

However, every six months since then, I have been alternating abdominal CT scans and MRI scans to monitor whether the tumor is growing.

If the size increases through these tests, it must be removed through surgery.

 

In the case of pancreatic cancer, the best approach is to avoid alcohol and smoking, maintain a healthy diet, and detect it early through consistent self-care. Therefore, for the sake of one's health, it is important to continue regular exercise and healthy eating habits to prevent pancreatic cancer.