• Stools should be examined for hidden blood. The color may be abnormal. If they are white or clay-colored, the
  bile duct is obstructed.

Imaging 
• Abdominal ultrasound . Ultrasound is also used at surgery to locate the exact borders of the tumor .
• CT scans may not detect small tumors but may identify pancreatic masses, liver metastases, enlarged lymph
  nodes and fluid in the abdomen (ascites).
• MRI may complement the CT scan. 
• PET (Positron Emission Tomography) imaging is an experimental method for diagnosis and evaluation for liver
  metastases.

Endoscopy and Biopsy 
• ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) involves placing a gastroscope into the stomach and
  inserting a tube into the opening of the pancreatic duct.
• For a definite diagnosis, a biopsy is essential. Tissue can be drawn out with a fine needle (FNA) inserted into
  the tumor using CT guidance (diagnostic in 80 percent of cases). This will be necessary to differentiate
  pancreatic cancer from benign pancreatitis or pseudocyst, islet cell carcinoma or lymphoma.