Pancreatic cancer

Pathology
  • The neoplasm and extensive fibrosis replaces most of the normal pancreas. 
  • Tumor can be located anywhere in pancreas.
    • The neoplasm, in the head of the pancreas, can compress the common bile duct causing an extra hepatic obstruction.
      • Dilatation of  intrahepatic bile ducts, common bile ducts (CBD) and gallbladder (Courvoisier GB).
    • Cancer in the tail of pancreas may obstruct the splenic vein or cause a mass effect on adjacent structures.
  • Normal pancreas for comparison.
The pancreas is bisected along its longitudinal axis revealing a large adenocarcinoma (B) of the head. (A) is the tail of pancreas which is normal.
The normal pancreas is gray-yellow to tan throughout the organ
What are the anticpated imaging findings of Cancer pancreas?
  • Mass
  • Biliary tract obstruction when the carcinoma is in the head.
      • Dilatation of  intrahepatic bile ducts, common bile ducts [CBD] and gallbladder.
      • Courvoisier GB
  • Cancer in the tail of pancreas may obstruct the splenic vein or cause mass effect on adjacent structures

 

 

CT scan in a patient with Cancer Pancreas

Black arrowheads points to an irregular mass in the  head of the pancreas.

  • SMA: Superior mesenteric artery
  • SMV: Superior mesenteric vein
  • Duo:  Duodenal sweep

CT scan in a patient with carcinoma pancreas

  • GB points to dilated gallbladder
  • Arrowheads point to small cysts in pancreatic head

CT scan in a patient with obstructive jaundice due to Cancer Pancreas

Dilated common bile duct

DUO: Duodenum
SMV: Superior mesenteric artery
SMV: Superior mesenteric vein
CBD:  Common bile duct