Pancreatic Neoplasms: CT Evaluation of the Uncommon Presentations of Common Lesions and Common Presentations of the Uncommon Lesions!

Abstract

Pancreatic masses are commonly encountered entities in radiology practice. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC) are the commonest pancreatic malignancies that typically present as infiltrative hypodense focal masses in the pancreatic head, which are hypoattenuating to the pancreatic parenchyma on pancreatic parenchymal and venous phases. However, there are various atypical imaging features of PDACs that create a diagnostic dilemma like tumor in body or tail, diffuse glandular involvement, isoattenuating tumors, cystic changes, or calcifications. Also, few relatively uncommon pancreatic malignancies like pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, cystic pancreatic tumors, pancreatic lymphoma, and pancreatic metastases present with overlapping features. Accurate radiological characterization of pancreatic masses is important for optimal management and prognostication. Thus, it is imperative for radiologists to be aware of all the uncommon presentations of common pancreatic lesions and common presentations of uncommon pancreatic lesions to avoid erroneous interpretations and establishing the correct diagnosis.

Keywords

• pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
• neuroendocrine tumors
• cystic pancreatic tumors
• pancreatic lymphoma
• pancreatic metastases