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As imaging techniques evolve and improve, they offer more hope of finding pancreatic cancers in the early stages and provide the best treatment plan for the patient who is fighting this dreadful disease.
The rate of pancreatic cancer in India is between 0.5 to 2.4 cases per 100,000 women and 0.2 to 1.8 cases per 100,000 men each year.
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in India, with cases increasing each year. According to the ‘Indian Journal of Medical and Pediatric Oncology, the rate of pancreatic cancer in India is between 0.5 to 2.4 cases per 100,000 women and 0.2 to 1.8 cases per 100,000 men each year. Most cases are only found after the cancer has spread, which reduces the chances of successful treatment. Hence, imaging techniques play a vital role in detecting and understanding what stage the cancer is, which ultimately helps in treatment planning, giving the patient the best chance. Dr Adarsh Chaudhary, Chairman, GI Surgery, GI Oncology and Bariatric Surgery, Gastrosciences, Medanta, Gurugram shares all you need to know Pancreatic Cancer.
Imaging techniques used in staging pancreatic cancer
Staging is the process of finding out how far the cancer has spread. It helps doctors determine the best treatment plan. For example, if the cancer has not spread, then surgery may be possible, which could improve survival chances. If cancer has spread to other organs, then chemotherapy or/and radiation therapy may work better. And imaging is at the center of it all, as its job is to show the exact size, location, and spread of the tumour, helping doctors make the most informed treatment decision. Several imaging techniques are used to get a detailed picture of the tumour and help plan treatment:
- CT Scans (Computed Tomography Scans)This is the most common imaging technique used for pancreatic cancer. It involves taking detailed cross-sectional images of the body, showing the size and spread of the tumour. Multi-phase CT scans, which use contrast, make it even easier to spot cancerous tissue. CT scans are accurate in staging pancreatic cancer about 80–90% of the time, making them an essential test for diagnosing and determining treatment plans for pancreatic cancer.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)MRI uses magnetic fields to create images of the body’s organs and tissues. They can show the tumour’s size and how it affects nearby blood vessels, which helps doctors see if the cancer has spread to these areas. MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a special type of MRI that helps show the bile and pancreatic ducts, which may be affected by the tumour. MRI is often used when CT scans do not provide enough information.
- PET (Positron Emission Tomography) ScansPET scans help find cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. By using a small amount of radioactive sugar, PET scans highlight areas with cancer cell activity. PET-CT is another variation of imaging technique that combines PET and CT to monitor if cancer is responding to treatment.
- Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)EUS is a special test that uses a tiny camera and sound waves to take very detailed pictures of the pancreas. It can find small tumours and check nearby lymph nodes. Doctors can even use EUS to take a small tissue sample, which helps them confirm the diagnosis and plan the best treatment.
Imaging in Treatment Planning
Imaging is not only important for staging and diagnosing pancreatic cancer but also for treatment planning and monitoring. If an imaging test shows that the cancer is small and hasn’t spread, then surgery may be an option, and imaging can even help guide the surgical approach. For advanced cancers, imaging helps in planning radiation therapy by precisely targeting the tumour and protecting the healthy tissues. Even after treatment, imaging is used to check whether the treatment is working and to catch any signs of recurrence.
Additionally, it’s important to consult a doctor and go to specialized centers for the diagnoss and treatment. Advanced imaging units and specialized centers are essential in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer, a particularly deadly form of cancer due to its often late-stage detection. These advanced units house cutting-edge technology and expertise, which enables precise imaging for early-stage diagnosis, detailed staging, and informed treatment planning. Specialized centers equipped with these resources provide a collaborative environment where radiologists, oncologists, and surgeons work together to create tailored treatment strategies. By facilitating early detection and personalized care, these centers enhance survival rates and treatment effectiveness, offering a critical advantage for patients battling this challenging disease.
In conclusion, from staging pancreatic cancer to planning treatment, imaging plays a vital role. It assists doctors to take the best approach for the patient and adjust if needed. As imaging techniques evolve and improve, they offer more hope of finding pancreatic cancers in the early stages and provide the best treatment plan for the patient who is fighting this dreadful disease.
