Clinical Features of Pancreatic Cancer Associated with Chronic Pancreatitis in Korean Patients

Choi, Won Jung; Lee, Sung Koo; Kim, Myung Hwan; Seo, Dong Wan; Lee, Sang Soo; Park, Do Hyun

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS
A positive correlation between chronic pancreatitis (CP) and pancreatic cancer (PC) has been reported. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical features of PC occurring in CP versus PC without CP with the aim of contributing to the earlier detection of PC in CP patients.
METHODS
The study was based on a retrospective chart review performed from 1989 to 2009, of 38 PC patients with underlying CP versus controls.
RESULTS
Compared with PC without CP, PC with CP patients were younger at the time of the diagnosis of PC (57.42 vs. 63.94 years; p = 0.01), a greater percentage were smokers (71.1% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.047), and there was pancreatic duct dilatation without a mass on CT findings (15.8% vs. 2.0%, p = 0.018). There was no difference in clinical presentation at the time of PC diagnosis and the CA 19-9 level was elevated in most patients in both groups. Additionally, there was no difference between the groups in terms of resectability (39.5% vs. 26.0%; p = 0.179) or preoperative stage; however, a greater proportion of the PC with CP group underwent surgery (34.2% vs. 16.0%; p = 0.047).
CONCLUSIONS
When there is a high suspicion of PC, even if no definite mass is seen on CT in CP patents, we should endeavor to make a diagnosis of PC. Active follow-up of CP patients can allow earlier detection of pancreatic cancer.