pancreas diseases ; Diagnosis of Pancreatic Diseases

There are a variety of tests that physicians use to determine if pancreatic disorders are present, what kinds and how advanced they are, and what may be causing the problem.
Abdominal Ultrasound

Abdominal ultrasound is a non-invasive technique using directed sound waves to examine the body's internal organs, including the pancreas, gallbladder, liver, kidneys, spleen, stomach, and intestines. It even allows viewing of the aorta and the urinary bladder.

During this examination, the patient lies horizontally with abdomen exposed. The technologist who performs the exam, called a sonographer, spreads a gel on the skin's surface and then passes a hand-held instrument called a transducer around the surface of the abdomen. The gel enables smooth manipulation of the transducer and helps to transmit the sound waves by excluding air. Commonly, patients are asked to fast for 6 to 8 hours prior to the test; water and routine medications may be consumed. The test is completely painless and lasts for about twenty minutes.

The test yields a printed scan, similar to a doppler effect image, that is read by the technician and your physician. The results of the test will be discussed with you by your physician.
MRI Scan

MRI is another non-invasive diagnostic procedure commonly prescribed at the Pancreas Center. MRI combines the use of a large magnet and radio waves to create body images. The hydrogen atoms in a patient's body react to the magnetic field, a computer reads the resulting data and organizes the results into images that can be read by the radiologist. Preparation for the test to examine your abdomen also requires that you refrain from eating or drinking at least 6 hours prior to the exam. You should continue to take any medications with water as usual. To avoid interference with the MRI scanning, jewelry and makeup should not be worn. You should not have an MRI if you have a cardiac pacemaker or have had certain kinds of neurosurgery or orthopedic surgery.

http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/cs/programs/pancreas/pancreatic_diagnosis.html