Blood Drug Testing

How can a blood test show cancer in your blood?

the cancer is suspected pancreatic cancer but the scans don't show anything? is the tumour too small to see on a scan or could it be a mistake?

Public Comments

1. maybe the blood has some mutate cells which it collected from the pancreas but it could be a mistake .
2. There is a tumor marker for pancreatic cancer that does show in the blood. However, it is not a diagnostic test and would not likely show it if the tumor is too small to be seen. Your question is kind of vague. Are you saying the blood test was positive for pancreatic cancer, but the scan does not show a tumor? What kind of a scan did you have? If this is the case it could be a couple of things: There is no cancer. The cancer could be in the colon instead. The cancer is in the pancreas but cannot be seen on the scan that was used. The pancreatic cancer can be difficult to visualize. Any scan your doctor orders should state that it is to rule out pancreatic cancer this will alert radiology to use contrast and take other measures to be able to visualize the pancreas well. It will also alert the radiologist to call your doctor with other recommendations as needed. Both ultrasound and CT should be done.
3. I'm praying its a mistake if this is about you...I've been wondering where you were. Perhaps you'd mail me and tell me whats been happening.
4. If you wait a few days Jules I can find out...Our nephew has just this week been diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma ..