Routine Biochemical Tests for Pancreatic Tumors
Author Information
Author(s): L. Athlin, P-J Blind, S. Eriksson
Primary Institution: University Hospital, Umed, Sweden
Hypothesis
Can routine hematological laboratory tests discriminate between malignant and benign pancreatic tumors?
Conclusion
Only considerably increased levels of direct reacting bilirubin were predictive of pancreatic carcinoma.
Supporting Evidence
- Total and direct reacting bilirubin levels were significantly higher in patients with pancreatic carcinoma.
- Only three patients with chronic pancreatitis had elevated bilirubin values.
- Statistical analysis showed that elevated direct reacting bilirubin was predictive of pancreatic cancer.
Takeaway
Doctors can use blood tests to help tell if a pancreatic tumor is cancerous, but only very high bilirubin levels are a good sign of cancer.
Methodology
The study reviewed records of patients with pancreatic carcinoma and chronic pancreatitis, analyzing various biochemical tests.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the retrospective nature of the study and exclusion of patients with common duct stones.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and the sample size is relatively small.
Participant Demographics
42 women and 30 men, median age 70 years (range 34-90 years).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
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