Hearing that you have to have a procedure can be frightening.You may feel bad because of your symptoms after you have been tested for cancer.A sample of cells is used to make a diagnosis.Pancreatic biopsies are not difficult procedures, so don't worry.The majority of them are done in an outpatient setting.
Step 1: Pick up transportation.
Since you will be under anesthesia, you need someone to take you to the clinic and drive you home.Since you will be recovering from the anesthesia, you should not drive afterwards.If you need help, ask a family member or friend.Since the procedure may take as long as two hours, you can have one person drop you off and another pick you up.
Step 2: Go for a fine- needle aspiration.
The doctor will numb the area where the needle will go.The area will be cleaned to remove anybacteria.The doctor will place the needle through the abdominal wall.The cells will be taken by the needle.The doctor can use the scans to guide the needle to the correct area.The procedure is usually done in half an hour.
Step 3: Get an exam.
The EUS is a method used to remove the pancreas.The doctor will either numb your throat or put you under anesthesia.A thin tube is placed down your throat.A small needle is used with the scope to go through the wall of the stomach to take a sample.Your pancreas, stomach, and intestines are also studied by the endoscope.The method results in less pain.It's the most accurate method for the pancreas.It can take up to an hour.
Step 4: You should get a brush biopsy.
A brush biopsy is done.If you are put under general anesthesia, your throat will be numbed.A brush is inserted into your body.The cells will be collected by the brush.If they need a sample from the bile duct, this procedure may be used.This method isn't as definitive as other methods.
Step 5: Have a surgical procedure.
A surgical instrument is used to do a biopsy.After either having your throat numbed or being put under anesthesia, the doctor will place the endoscope into your abdomen.Forceps will be used to remove a sample of the tumor.This type of biopsy is promising because of new technology.A large sample can be taken with the forceps.
Step 6: Get surgery.
Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure that can be used to take a biopsies.The surgeon will open your abdomen.They put thin video tubes into the cuts to look at the pancreas.A doctor will use a cutting tool to remove a small sample of cells.If the doctor believes cancer has spread to other parts of the body, they may choose this method.
Step 7: Prepare to take it easy on the day of the biopsy.
You will go under anesthesia and have a few wounds, even though most pancreatic biopsies are minimally-invagant.Your throat may be tender if they use an endoscope.Don't expect to work that day.You should take it easy at home for the rest of the day.Allow yourself to recuperate from the procedure.
Step 8: You should wait a few days to get the results.
It usually takes a few days for the results to come back, but it can take up to 2 weeks.A pathologist can analyze the samples if they are sent to a lab.They look for cancer cells under a microscope.They will stage the cells so that they can determine how far the cancer cells have spread.They determine your treatment based on the stage of the cancer.
Step 9: If you begin to feel worse, talk to your doctor.
Pancreatic cancer symptoms can get worse suddenly.You should visit your doctor if you start to feel unwell when you wait for the results of the biopsy.Don't wait.
Step 10: Recovery instructions should be followed after your biopsies.
Most biopsies don't require much recovery.If you feel any pain, take over-the-counter medication.If you have a FNA, you may experience swelling at the site.Within a week, the incisions are usually healed.
Step 11: Try to remain calm.
It can be very difficult to wait for the results of a biopsy.You should try to stay calm, even if you feel scared, anxious, or powerless.Predicting your results won't help you.As you wait, focus on other things.
Step 12: If you need support, reach out.
If you are having trouble while you wait, you may want to reach out to people who can help.Take your mind off of your results by talking to your friends and family about how you are feeling.You can also see a therapist.It is possible to prepare for your results by talking through your emotions.
Step 13: Accurately identify the symptoms of cancer.
If you know what to look for, you can detect it early.Nausea, abdominal or back pain, lack of appetite, and unexplained weight loss are early signs.Another sign is Jaundice.There is a yellow tint on your skin and eyes.
Step 14: Get a blood test.
Blood tests are the first thing the doctor will do if they think you have cancer.The tests may include complete blood counts.The oncologist will look for markers in the blood.These compounds are found in the blood and may indicate cancer.It isn't completely reliable, but higher tumor markers mean a biopsy may be needed.
Step 15: Undergo scans.
The doctor will order a series of tests after the blood tests.The tests will give a better view of the pancreas to see if there are tumors.Diagnostic tests that include scans of the abdomen are common.A tube that takes images of your abdomen down your throat is used to conduct an endoscopy.A cholangio retrograde pancreatography is a procedure in which an endoscope is placed down your throat and injected with dye.An x-ray is taken.