Pancreatocolonic fistulization secondary to pancreatic adenocarcinoma presenting as unexplained halitosis

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer is often detected in late stages, which contributes to its grim prognosis. Although the manifestations of pancreatic cancer most often include nonspecific gastrointestinal complaints, we report a case with the sole initial complaint of halitosis and subsequent diagnostic workup demonstrating a pancreatic mass with secondary pancreatocolonic fistulization. The etiologies of and the radiological findings pertaining to halitosis, the presenting symptoms and imaging studies relevant to the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, and the imaging and clinical findings of pancreatic fistulization are discussed.

Keywords

• Pancreatic cancer
• Halitosis
• Malignancy
• Fistula