Biopsy
A procedure that takes tissue samples from a site suspected for disease. The samples are studied with a microscope.

CT Scan (Computerized Tomography)
X-rays are taken from a series of different angles and arranged by a computer to show a cross-sectional view of organs in the body

Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
A thin, flexible, lighted tube (endoscope) is put through the mouth into the stomach. It bounces high-energy sound waves off the organs to create a picture of the organs and helps find the area of cancer. It looks at your organs from the inside out

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
This is done using both x-rays and a flexible, lighted tube called an endoscope to see inside the pancreas, liver, gallbladder and bile ducts. A sample of tissue may be removed for testing. 

Laparoscopy
A flexible, lighted tube is put through a small cut in the abdomen to look inside. A sample of tissue may be removed (a biopsy) for testing. You will receive anesthesia  for this test.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
An evaluation using radio waves and a powerful magnet to show detailed images of the body. It can be used for tissues such as the spine and the brain. MRI creates different pictures than a CT scan or X-ray, because it shows both healthy and diseased tissues.

PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography)
A PET scan is a procedure used to help diagnose tumors and other problems. You will be given an injection of a low-level radioactive material attached to a natural body chemical. The scan shows movement of radioactive material through the tissues.

Radiation Therapy
A method of treatment where radioactive beams or materials are applied to a cancerous region in order to kill cancerous cells.

Whipple Procedure
The Whipple procedure (pancreatoduodenectomy) is a common operation performed for pancreatic cancer. It may also be used to treat other diseases or cancers. During the procedure, our surgeons remove the head of the pancreas, most of the duodenum (a part of the small intestine), a portion of the bile duct, sometimes a small portion of the stomach, and the lymph nodes around the pancreas. The remainder of the pancreas is then reattached to the duodenum.

X-Ray
A type of energy radiation. In low doses it can be used to see pictures of bones inside the body. In high doses, it can be used to treat cancer (see radiation therapy).