Pancreatic scanning

Abstract

The 75Se-selenomethionine pancreas scan could not differentiate between chronic pancreatitis and carcinoma of the pancreas and might, although chiefly in certain defined clinical conditions, give a false-positive result. It was more time-consuming than other radioisotopic scanning procedures. Its value in clinical practice stemmed from the fact that all the other methods available for studying the pancreas had their own disadvantages. Because a normal scan was only rarely seen in patients with carcinoma of the pancreas, pancreatic scanning was useful in helping to decide which patients should, and which should not, be subjected to other procedures involving greater discomfort or risk.