Pancreatic Cancer Risk Stratification and Screening

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Risk Stratification and Screening

Risk stratification is a process in which an individual's likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer is assessed. During the process, specialists of the Muzzi Mirza Pancreatic Cancer Prevention & Genetics Program take into consideration all factors known to contribute to the development of the disease. This includes a thorough physical exam as well as detailed analysis of the personal and family medical history of each individual. When it is deemed appropriate, we provide genetic counseling and genetic testing for our patients and their families.

If a patient learns they have significant risk of developing pancreatic cancer, we provide guidance and recommend an ongoing testing regimen so that they may ultimately avoid the disease. Known as "screening", this testing regimen involves imaging the pancreas with sensitive instruments to detect pre-cancerous abnormalities or small cancers that are surgically curable.

High-Risk Screening Program

Screening begins approximately 10 years prior to the earliest age of onset of cancer in the family. Yearly screenings may be recommended as the individual approaches the age at which their family member developed cancer.

Because many high-risk individuals will never develop pancreatic cancer, every effort is made to minimize the risk of the diagnostic procedures. Therefore, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI/MRCP) is one of our preferred techniques for screening. It is a non-invasive imaging method that allows the physician to visualize the pancreas and its surrounding organs in detail. In many instances we also recommend endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). In those cases where either MRI/MRCP or EUS show an abnormality, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) will be considered for further evaluation. In all cases, patients undergo close and continued surveillance by the Pancreas Center team.

If screening tests are abnormal, patients may be referred to a Pancreas Center surgeon. The surgical team of the Pancreas Center is comprised of highly skilled and highly experienced specialists. Studies have shown that patients who undergo pancreatic surgery at a high-volume center, one that performs more than 16 pancreatic operations per year, experience fewer operative complications and enjoy more successful outcomes. Here at the Pancreas Center, we perform nearly 200 pancreatic resections per year.

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