Hereditary Pancreatitis

What are the screening options for HP?

Screening for pancreatic cancer is suggested for people known to have HP. However, the effectiveness of current screening techniques for the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is not proven. Available screening options include:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan of the pancreas

Endoscopic ultrasound (a thin, lighted tube is guided into the esophagus through the mouth, and a transducer sends out sound waves that can identify if a tumor is present.)

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) (an endoscope is passed into the small intestine through the mouth and stomach. A catheter (smaller tube) is passed through the endoscope and into the bile ducts and pancreatic ducts to look for cancer.)

Blood test for CA19-9 level (a test to detect a protein found to be elevated in the blood of some people with pancreatic cancer.)

Screening options may change over time as new technologies are developed and more is learned about HP. It is important to talk with your doctor about appropriate screening tests.