The diagnosis of pancreatic cancer by pancreatic juice cytology.

Cytologic examination of pancreatic juice collected during cannulation was performed on 105 patients. Positive results were obtained in 23 of 44 cases (52.3%) of carcinoma of the pancreas. Cytologic specimens were collected by direct suction, washing with saline, aspiration after secretin stimulation and brushing. Washing with saline (63.2%) and aspiration after secretin stimulation (51.3%) gave higher positive results than did the other two methods. Positive results when obtained in carcinoma of the head in 12 of 17 cases (70.6%) and in carcinoma of the body and tail in 9 of 24 cases (37.5%). The results were better in carcinoma of the head, and it is necessary to further improve the method of collection in carcinoma of the body and tail.