Conditions that may mimic primary pancreatic cancer

Abstract

An ambiguous lesion whose appearance suggests a pancreatic origin requires a broad differential diagnosis that can subsequently be narrowed on the basis of both clinical history and features at optimal computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Recently introduced curved planar reconstruction techniques used with CT and MR studies, may help avoid potential diagnostic pitfalls. These techniques can help identify and characterize a mass in multiple viewing planes, thereby helping distinguish a true pancreatic neoplasm from peripancreatic enlarged lymph nodes or from a tumor of the adjacent small bowel. The correct localisation of a lesion would guide lesion- specific work-up and treatment and may avoid unnecessary tests or procedures, including surgery.