Evaluation
Patients diagnosed with a pancreatic cyst or a high-risk condition that predisposes them to the development of pancreatic cancer can contact us directly or be referred by a physician. Though not all pancreatic cysts are dangerous, some are premalignant lesions that can become pancreatic cancer, and evaluation by a team of experts is critical to ensuring that appropriate treatment and surveillance is initiated.
Our care coordinator will follow up with to arrange your first appointment and help organize the day. The coordinator will make sure we have the necessary medical records and information before the patient arrives, and will send an electronic questionnaire aimed at determining relevant family history and potential pancreas-related symptoms.
We see patients at UT Southwestern’s Pancreatic Cancer Prevention Clinic (PCPC) on Friday afternoons. After thorough review of the patient's medical record and imaging studies, he or she will be scheduled to be seen by a surgeon or gastroenterologist depending on his or her specific needs. Our team of surgical oncologists, gastroenterologists, radiologists, and genetic counselors review each case. Their combined insights are reflected in a detailed care plan that is customized to each patient’s needs.
Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis
If a patient has a pancreatic cyst, we have the latest technologies to help precisely diagnose it. We use cross-sectional imaging such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize the cyst. In some cases, patients will also undergo a procedure called endoscopic ultrasound with fine-needle aspiration of the cyst to evaluate the fluid it contains. Cyst fluid is screened for molecular markers that are associated with a greater risk for pancreatic cancer. If further studies are required, they will be scheduled at the time of the clinic appointment.
Risk for a precancerous pancreatic cyst may be higher if a patient has a family history of pancreatic cancer or of a genetic syndrome associated with pancreatic cancer, such as hereditary pancreatitis. UT Southwestern cancer genetics experts are available to provide surveillance recommendations as well as specialized genetic testing as indicated. In many cases, this visit can be coordinated the morning of the appointment.