Pancreatic neoplasia: a practical cross-sectional imaging primer for the nonradiologist

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to provide a practical review of basic pancreatic imaging protocols and key cross-sectional imaging findings of the more common pancreatic neoplasms.

Methods: We performed a literature search and reviewed numerous cases archived in the radiology department of a large university hospital to find examples which illustrate the key cross-sectional imaging findings of pancreatic neoplasms.

Results: We reviewed the literature and provided several practical examples of common cross-sectional imaging findings in patients with pancreatic neoplasms.

Conclusions: Cross-sectional imaging plays a pivotal role in the evaluation of pancreatic neoplasms and allows proper triage of patients for conservative, medical or surgical management due to its ability to reliably detect and characterize pancreatic lesions, determine involvement of local structures, and assess metastatic disease. Familiarity with the key imaging findings will allow the clinician to better implement imaging data into daily practice.