Biopsy
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Biopsy is a type of diagnosis that occurs when cells or tissue are taken from the pancreas and examined under a microscope by a pathologist. The pathologist will check the tissue sample to see if cancer cells are present. If cancer cells are found, the pathologist will determine the type of pancreatic cancer depending on signs from the cancer cells. Biopsy can determine with 100% certainty if an abnormal mass is cancer and the type of cancer.
©2011 RTI International
There are two ways to do a biopsy for pancreatic cancer. In the first, a fine needle is inserted by the doctor through the abdominal wall after a local anesthetic and a cleaning solution are applied to the skin. The doctor uses the image from a CT scan or ultrasound to determine placement of the needle and to remove cells. The second way is called laparoscopy. Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure that makes small incisions in the wall of the abdomen. These incisions allow insertion of a laparoscope (a thin tube) and other instruments to remove tissue from the pancreas.