Accurate pathology diagnosis is essential to ensure the most effective TREATMENT. Here are just two examples:

Type of cancer: Is the cancer an adenocarcinoma or a neuroendocrine tumor? While the pathology can look very similar, the treatment for these conditions is often very different.

Type of Adenocarcinoma: Some subtypes of adenocarcinoma, particularly those associated with "mucinous cystic neoplasms", appear to follow a much less aggressive course. Identification of the less aggressive varieties of adenocarcinoma may help direct therapy.

The pathology of the pancreas is exceedingly complex and therefore a second opinion is often advisable. We offer consultative diagnostic interpretation of pathologic materials derived from the pancreas by the leading specialist in this field: Dr. Ralph Hruban, Director, Division of Gastrointestinal/Liver Pathology.