Macon doctors find new way to detect pancreatic cancer
The hospital is the first in the United States to use a “brushing” technique. Doctors use a microscope to look inside the pancreas for any areas of concern. Then, they collect cells from that area and send it to be tested.
“Find small, little pieces of cancer that were in the very early stages of development. If we can find that early, then we can send the patient for a surgery that is curative and they can be a survivor,” explains Dr. Joel Jodah, a Gastroenterologist/Advanced Endoscopist at Medical Center, Navicent Health.
Dr. Judah says less than 10-percent of pancreatic cancer patients live within five years of diagnosis. He adds abdominal pain, yellowing eyes and weight loss are some of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer that has already developed.
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