Abstract
Pancreatic masses are commonly encountered entities in radiology practice. Pancreatic
ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC) are the commonest pancreatic malignancies that typically
present as infiltrative hypodense focal masses in the pancreatic head, which are hypoattenuating
to the pancreatic parenchyma on pancreatic parenchymal and venous phases. However,
there are various atypical imaging features of PDACs that create a diagnostic dilemma
like tumor in body or tail, diffuse glandular involvement, isoattenuating tumors,
cystic changes, or calcifications. Also, few relatively uncommon pancreatic malignancies
like pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, cystic pancreatic tumors, pancreatic lymphoma,
and pancreatic metastases present with overlapping features. Accurate radiological
characterization of pancreatic masses is important for optimal management and prognostication.
Thus, it is imperative for radiologists to be aware of all the uncommon presentations
of common pancreatic lesions and common presentations of uncommon pancreatic lesions
to avoid erroneous interpretations and establishing the correct diagnosis.
Keywords
pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma - neuroendocrine tumors - cystic pancreatic tumors
- pancreatic lymphoma - pancreatic metastases
