Review
Copyright ©The Author(s) 2018.
World J Gastroenterol. May 21, 2018; 24(19): 2047-2060
Published online May 21, 2018. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i19.2047
Table 1 Benefits and limitations of pancreatic cancer diagnostic modalities
Diagnostic modalitiesAdvantagesLimitations
MDCTMost commonly available Best validated CheapestNephrotoxicity Radiation exposure
MRISuperior imaging Depiction of local pancreatic disease Iodine-free and no radiationExpensive Less available Contraindicated with some metal implants
EUS +/- FNASafe and less invasive High sensitivity Able to detect small lesions Able to take histological sampleLess available in some countries Operator dependent Inability to detect distant metastasis
PET/CTMetastatic disease detection Clarification of equivocal CT findings Monitoring recurrence and response to adjuvant therapyExpensive Less available Radiation and contrast exposure