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Pancreatic Cancer: CT Scans

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Questions and Answers

Why is CT generally the first-line investigation for suspected pancreatic cancer?

CT scans are the least expensive imaging modality available.
CT is the most sensitive and widely used test for evaluating the pancreas for carcinoma. (correct)
CT offers the quickest turnaround time for results.
CT scans expose patients to the lowest level of radiation compared to other imaging techniques.

What is the approximate detection rate of dynamic CT for pancreatic cancer?

99% (correct)
85%
50%
75%

A patient presents with symptoms suggestive of pancreatic cancer. After the initial CT scan, the results are inconclusive. What would be the MOST appropriate next step?

Prescribe palliative care and pain management based on the symptoms.
Consider additional imaging modalities or a biopsy to further evaluate the pancreas. (correct)
Monitor the patient for a few months to see if the symptoms resolve spontaneously.
Immediately schedule the patient for surgery to explore the pancreas.

Which factor MOST contributes to CT's widespread use for pancreatic cancer evaluation?

Its high sensitivity and broad availability in most healthcare settings. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A physician is deciding between different imaging techniques to evaluate a patient with suspected pancreatic cancer. What is the MOST important consideration when choosing CT as the first-line investigation?

The need for high sensitivity in detecting potential cancerous lesions. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does dynamic CT improve the detection rate of pancreatic cancer, compared to standard CT?

Dynamic CT visualizes the pancreas at different phases of contrast enhancement, highlighting abnormalities. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios would warrant immediate investigation using CT for suspected pancreatic cancer?

A patient presenting with jaundice, unexplained weight loss, and persistent abdominal pain. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A patient had a CT scan that was negative for pancreatic cancer. However, clinical suspicion remains high due to persistent symptoms. What should be the next course of action?

Order a more sensitive imaging study, such as an MRI or endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), to further evaluate the pancreas. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does the use of contrast agents in dynamic CT scans aid in the detection of pancreatic cancer?

Contrast agents enhance the difference in blood flow and tissue characteristics between normal pancreatic tissue and cancerous lesions. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a limitation of using CT as the primary diagnostic tool for pancreatic cancer?

CT has a lower sensitivity for detecting small tumors or those in specific locations within the pancreas compared to other imaging modalities. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

First-line investigation for pancreatic cancer

Often the initial imaging method for suspected pancreatic cancer.

Most widely used test for pancreatic cancer

Currently, it is the most common imaging test for evaluating the pancreas for carcinoma.

Detection rate of dynamic CT for pancreatic cancer

Offers a very high rate of detection for pancreatic cancer.

Study Notes

In cases of suspected pancreatic cancer, CT scans are typically the first line of investigation.
CT scans are currently the most widely used and sensitive method for evaluating the pancreas for pancreatic carcinoma.
Dynamic CT scans have a detection rate of approximately 99% for pancreatic cancer.

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