Question

A 52-year-old woman presents with painless obstructive jaundice, pale stools, and dark urine. Imaging reveals a mass in the head of the pancreas. What is the most appropriate initial diagnostic step to confirm malignancy?

Accepted Answer

Triphasic CT scan of the pancreas

Answer

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

Answer

Abdominal ultrasound only

Answer

Serum CA 19-9 measurement

Answer

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)

Practice question

A 52-year-old woman presents with painless obstructive jaundice, pale stools, and dark urine. Imaging reveals a mass in the head of the pancreas. What is the most appropriate initial diagnostic step to confirm malignancy?