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Early Detection of Pancreatic Cysts with Cellvizio

Pancreatic cysts and pancreatic cancer can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages.
Because pancreatic cancer can spread rapidly, early detection and diagnosis is vital. According to the National Cancer Data Base1, the five year survival rate of people being diagnosed with Stage IIA pancreatic cancer is only seven percent. However, for those who are able to diagnose the existence of cancerous pancreatic cysts at Stage IA have a 14 percent five year survival rate. 1

What are Pancreatic Cysts?

Pancreatic cysts are fluid-filled sacs within your pancreas, a large organ behind the stomach that produces the hormones and enzymes that help digest food. Most pancreatic cysts are not cancerous and only cause mild systems such as:

  • Persistent abdominal and back pain
  • A mass in your upper abdomen that you are able to feel
  • Nausea
  • Jaundice

Because pancreatic cancer often goes undetected, once pancreatic cysts are found a physician may need to biopsy the cysts to check for pre-cancerous and cancerous cells.

How Can I Diagnose Pancreatic Cysts?

Diagnosing cancerous pancreatic cysts is becoming easier because of the improvements in imaging technology.
Cellvizio Targeted Biopsy utilizes the world’s smallest microscope and laser imaging technology in conjunction with today’s endoscopic instruments to examine tissues at a microscopic level.

How is Cellvizio Different Than Other Diagnostic Methods?

Cellvizio enables physicians to visualize the wall of the cyst at the cellular level, making an early cancer diagnosis possible.
Other benefits of Cellvizio Targeted Biopsy include:

  • Timely decision making for the physician
  • Immediate tissue characterization
  • Immediate cell characterization
  • Ability to start treatment early if the cysts is cancerous

Is Cellvizio the Right Procedure for You?

If you need to confirm a diagnosis of pancreatic cysts, contact your physician to find out if Cellvizio Targeted Biopsy is the right procedure for you.

Sources:

  1. http://www.cancer.org/cancer/pancreaticcancer/overviewguide/pancreatic-cancer-overview-survival-rates