Pancreatic imaging mimics: part 1, imaging mimics of pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this article is to describe the imaging features of diseases that may closely simulate pancreatic adenocarcinoma, either radiologically or pathologically.

Conclusion: Neoplastic and inflammatory diseases that can closely simulate pancreatic adenocarcinoma include neuroendocrine tumor, metastasis to the pancreas, lymphoma, groove pancreatitis, autoimmune pancreatitis, and focal chronic pancreatitis. Atypical imaging findings that should suggest diagnoses other than adenocarcinoma include the absence of significant duct dilatation, incidental detection, hypervascularity, large size (> 5 cm), IV tumor thrombus, and intralesional ducts or cysts.