Can pancreatic cancer be detected in a blood test?

As a medical professional with expertise in oncology, I can provide you with information regarding the detection of pancreatic cancer through blood tests. Blood tests can sometimes be used to detect certain biomarkers that may be elevated in individuals with pancreatic cancer. Two such biomarkers are carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CA 19-9. However, it's important to note that blood tests are not considered a reliable method for the early detection of pancreatic cancer. This is because these biomarker levels may not rise until the cancer has reached an advanced stage, and in some cases, they may not rise at all. Furthermore, other conditions can also cause these biomarkers to increase, which means that an elevated level does not necessarily confirm the presence of pancreatic cancer. For this reason, blood tests are typically used in conjunction with other diagnostic methods, such as imaging studies and biopsies, to confirm a diagnosis. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is another diagnostic tool that is often used to detect pancreatic cancer. This procedure involves the use of an endoscope, which is a thin, flexible tube with an ultrasound probe on the end, to visualize the pancreas and potentially identify tumors.

Blood tests. Certain substances, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CA 19-9, are elevated in people with pancreatic cancer. However, blood tests don't allow for early detection of pancreatic cancer, because these levels may not rise until pancreatic cancer is advanced, if at all. Endoscopic ultrasound.