Korean J Gastrointest Endosc.  1988 May;8(1):63-69.

3 Cases of Focal Pancreatic Masses Demonstrated a Inflammation: Problems in differentiating focal pancreatitis from carinoma

• Ahn JH
• Kim BH
• Chang YW
• Lee JI
• Chang R
• Min YI

Abstract

When ultrasound or computed tomographic (CT) scans demonstrate a focal mass within the pancreas, the radiologist or gastroenterologist assumes that it is carcinoma. Statistically this is the correct diagnosis. However, distinguishing pancreatitis from carcinoma by ultrasound and CT is occassionally impossible. Similarly, abnormalities seen on ERCP, such as simultaneous obstruction of both the common bile duct and adjacent pancreatic duct (double duct sign), has been shown to occur in pancreatitis as well as in the more commonly diagnosed pancreatic carcinoma. We experienced 3 cases af focal pancreatic masses that mistaken a carcinoma. And so, knowledge that such a mass can be benign in a clinical setting sbould result in an organiged approach to the correct diagnosis and avoidance of any unnecessary operations.

MeSH Terms

Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde
Common Bile Duct
Diagnosis
Inflammation*
Pancreas
Pancreatic Ducts
Pancreatitis*
Ultrasonography