Januvia Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis & Tests

The only conclusive way to diagnose pancreatic cancer is with a biopsy (tissue sample) taken from the pancreas and examined under a microscope by a pathologist. Doctors may also use blood tests or imaging exams (ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, etc.) to determine the stage of the cancer.

What You Can Do & How We Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Januvia induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

What is the Problem?

Diagnosis of pancreatic cancer can be delayed because the pancreas is not easily accessible. The organ is located behind the stomach and above the intestines, where it can be difficult to collect fluid or a biopsy (tissue sample). A biopsy is the only way to make a conclusive diagnosis.

Diagnostic Tests and Exams

• Blood tests: Pancreatic cancer produces unique chemicals that can be detected in the bloodstream, which is one way of diagnosing Januvia pancreatic cancer. However, a blood test can only diagnose the cancer after it has grown very large and is difficult to treat.
• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: Patients who undergo a CT scan lay on a narrow table while a scanner moves around their body and takes a series of X-ray images. This produces a 3-D image of abdominal organs.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): During an MRI, patients lay on a table that goes inside a tube where magnetic waves create a 3-D image of the abdomen.
• Ultrasound: This test uses a device called a transducer, which is placed on the outside of the abdomen. It emits high-frequency sound waves to create a picture of the abdomen.
• Endoscopic ultrasound: This is one of the most common pancreatic cancer diagnostic tests. It uses an ultrasound attached to an endoscope, which is a long tube that is inserted into a patient’s stomach through the mouth. It creates a very detailed image of the pancreas, which is useful for finding small tumors in the pancreas.
• Biopsy: To be sure of the diagnosis, a doctor must take a biopsy (tissue sample) directly from the tumor. Then, a pathologist must look at it under a microscope to find cancer cells. In the past, surgery was the only option for collecting a biopsy. However, today, most people undergo minimally-invasive laparoscopic or fine-needle procedures to collect very small samples of tissue.

Januvia and Pancreatic Cancer

Early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is very rare because it does not produce symptoms until after it has grown very large or spread to other organs. It is a good idea to seek medical attention if you exhibit the following symptoms of the disease:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea, vomiting
• Digestion problems
• Unexplained weight loss of 10lbs or more
  
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
• Feeling tired all the time

More Information About Pancreatic Cancer

• What is Pancreatic Cancer?
• What Causes Pancreatic Cancer?
• What are Symptoms?
• What are Complications?
• How is it Diagnosed?
• What are Treatment Options?

Do I have a Januvia Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Januvia induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

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