Pancreatic function tests in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
Based on the relevant literature data and on personal experience, the author discusses the mechanisms of pancreatic function impairment in patients with pancreatic cancer, and the role of pancreatic function tests in the diagnosis of this disease. Although pancreatic function is reduced in the vast majority of patients with pancreatic cancer, at present pancreatic function tests are of limited value in the diagnostic approach to this tumor. This is mainly due to the fact that in most cases, patients with pancreatic cancer are seen when the cancer is in an advanced stage, and it can be rather easily diagnosed with currently available imaging techniques.
Gullo
L
L
Institute of Medicine and Gastroenterology, University of Bologna, St. Orsola Hospital, Italy.
D006801:Humans; D010179:Pancreas / Q000378:metabolism; D010186:Pancreatic Function Tests; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*