Can a physical examination detect pancreatic cancer?

Generally, whether pancreatic cancer can be detected during a physical examination depends on the specific tests included in the exam and the stage of the disease. Routine physical exams may not easily detect early-stage pancreatic cancer, while targeted specialized tests may be able to identify it. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If the physical examination includes abdominal ultrasound and tumor marker testing, it may provide some indication of intermediate- or late-stage pancreatic cancer. Abdominal ultrasound can detect whether there is a space-occupying lesion in the pancreas; if the pancreatic cancer has formed a clearly identifiable mass, ultrasound may detect abnormalities. CA19-9 levels are often elevated in patients with pancreatic cancer, and abnormal results may provide clues for further investigation.

Although routine physical exams may offer some indication, early-stage pancreatic tumors are usually small and located deep within the body, often obscured by organs such as the stomach and intestines, making them easily missed by conventional abdominal ultrasound. Additionally, tumor markers may not be significantly elevated in the early stages, making it difficult for routine physical exams to accurately detect early pancreatic cancer. For high-risk individuals, such as those with a family history of pancreatic cancer or long-standing chronic pancreatitis, adding specialized tests such as thin-slice CT scans or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) during physical exams can improve the likelihood of detecting pancreatic cancer.

In daily life, maintaining a healthy lifestyle—such as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly—can help reduce the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Paying attention to any unusual symptoms that arise also contributes to better health protection.