Connect Sign InMolecular Testing in the Workup of Pancreatic and Biliary Tumors
The work up of pancreatic and biliary lesions usually starts with a fine needle aspirate (FNA) or small biopsy specimen. Many times, either due to the paucity of findings or the non-definitive nature of findings, classifying these lesions is difficult. Understanding and implementing molecular testing in this setting can help resolve differential diagnostic dilemmas and can help define management for patients. Moreover, molecular testing may be useful in determining the presence of malignancy or malignancy potential of a neoplastic process. Understanding of the molecular mechanisms at the base of these different entities and knowledge of the testing available can help define diagnostic strategies that can contribute to a prompt and accurate diagnosis.
Dr. George Deftereos is the former section head of solid tumor molecular oncology and a former medical director of molecular oncology at ARUP Laboratories. He is also a former associate professor at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Dr. Deftereos received his medical degree from the University of Bari Aldo Moro before completing an anatomic and clinical pathology residency at Allegheny Health Network. He then completed both a cytopathology fellowship and a molecular genetic pathology fellowship at the University of Washington. His research interests include epigenetics of solid tumors, minimally invasive precision diagnostics, and molecular testing cytopathology of solid tumors.
