Laboratory aids in the diagnosis of tumors of the pancreas.

Newer laboratory aids complement evaluation of a patient with suspect pancreatic tumor, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, pseudocyst of the pancreas and islet cell adenoma. Hypertonic duodenography, artériographie study of the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric tree when combined may yield invaluable diagnostic information in patients with ampullary carcinoma. The new tech­ niques of transduodenal visualization of pancreatic ducts have allowed dye injection and cytologic brushings, techniques which further the diagnostic armamentarium in these patients. Pancreatic isotopic scanning, although still in its developmental phase, holds enormous diagnostic promise. Cytologic examination of secretin-stimulated duodenal drainage and direct biopsy of tumor mass at laparotomy offer further diagnostic and operative disposition. The advent of the remarkably sensitive immunoassay for gastrin, insulin, glucagon and secretin has introduced new diagnostic certainties for patients with functioning islet cell carcinoma not heretofore possible. The application of these combined techniques may yield the opportunity to detect and to treat pancreatic neoplasms earlier and more effectively and, thereby, reduce the morbidity and mortality.