¨Pancreatic Neoplasm
¨Primary pancreatic neoplasm can be sub-divided into
¨Solid tumors
¨Cystic tumors--contain fluid density due to necrosis
¨Functional tumors
¨Diagnostic landmark for pancreatic carcinoma is contour deformity. This can be seen also in focal pancreatitis but remember that focal pancreatitis is extremely rare. So , even if it is focal pancreatitis make your diagnosis pancreatic neoplasm until proven other wise by biopsy
Tumor may encase a vessel such as superior mesenteric vein resulting in attenuation or obstruction of the vessel lumen , which indicates in-operable case
Signs of pancreatic neoplasm
contour abnormalities which means focal change in size and shape
Abnormal Heterogeneous density
Duct dilatation is indication of presence of a tumor
Retention cysts if pancreas is diffusely enlarged with cysts , this appearance is of acute pancreatitis , and the cyst is pseudo cyst, while if it is with localized pathology with cysts , this will be retention cysts
AscitesDirect invasion to surrounding organs by pancreatic tumors
¨Cancer pancreas can invade the stomach or other organs such as duodenum or colon, here you should see a part of the tumor inside the lumen of the invaded organ
If the tumor is just in contact with the wall of the organ this does not means direct invasion
