Imaging Evaluation of Pancreatic Cancer

Abstract

Imaging studies are critical for the detection, characterization, initial staging, management, and monitoring of pancreatic cancer cases. Treatment of pancreatic cancer requires a multidisciplinary approach. Ideally, assessing resectablility with imaging and subsequent treatment decisions should be made at a high-volume center of excellence with a multidisciplinary team. This article reviews the major imaging modalities used to evaluate pancreatic neoplasms, with an emphasis on pancreatic imaging protocols. The imaging appearance of solid pancreatic neoplasms and the imaging criteria used to stage and determine resectability for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma are described. An approach to standardized radiologic reporting is also reviewed.

Keywords: Computed tomography; MRI; Pancreatic cancer; Pancreatic imaging; Resectability; Structured radiologic reports.