If your doctor thinks you may have pancreatic cancer, you will need some tests to confirm the diagnosis. These may include blood tests, CT, MRI and other imaging scans, endoscopic tests and tissue sampling (biopsy). Sometimes you may also have tests to check for gene changes in the cancer.
The tests you have will depend on the symptoms, type and stage of the cancer. You will not have all the tests described in this section.
Learn more about:
For an overview of what to expect during all stages of your cancer care, visit Pancreatic cancer – Your guide to best cancer care. This is a short guide to what is recommended, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.
Key resource
Download a PDF booklet on this topic.
More resources
Dr Benjamin Loveday, Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Surgeon, Royal Melbourne Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Dr Katherine Allsopp, Palliative Medicine Physician, Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Westmead Hospital, NSW; Hollie Bevans, Senior Dietitian, Radiotherapy and Oncology, Western Health, VIC; Dr Lorraine Chantrill, Head of Department Medical Oncology, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, NSW; Amanda Maxwell, Consumer; Prof Michael Michael, Medical Oncologist, Lower and Upper GI Oncology Service, Co-Chair Neuroendocrine Unit, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and University of Melbourne, VIC; Dr Andrew Oar, Radiation Oncologist, Icon Cancer Centre, Gold Coast University Hospital, QLD; Meg Rogers, Nurse Consultant Upper GI/NET Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Ady Sipthorpe, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA.
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
Need to talk?
Support services
Coping with cancer?
Speak to a health professional or to someone who has been there, or find a support group or forum
Looking for transport, accommodation or home help?
Practical advice and support during and after treatment
Cancer information
Patient rights and responsibilities
What you can reasonably expect from your health care providers
Dealing with the diagnosis
Common reactions to a cancer diagnosis and how to find hope
View our publications
Guides and fact sheets for people with cancer, their families and friends