Published online Jan 15, 2025. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v17.i1.99153
Revised: September 23, 2024
Accepted: October 15, 2024
Published online: January 15, 2025
Processing time: 108 Days and 1.4 Hours
Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most lethal malignancies worldwide, with a poor prognosis often attributed to late diagnosis. Understanding the correlation between pathological type and imaging features is crucial for early detection and appropriate treatment planning.
To retrospectively analyze the relationship between different pathological types of pancreatic cancer and their corresponding imaging features.
We retrospectively analyzed the data of 500 patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer between January 2010 and December 2020 at our institution. Pathological types were determined by histopathological examination of the surgical spe
There were 320 (64%) cases of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, 75 (15%) of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, 50 (10%) of neuroendocrine tumors, and 55 (11%) of other rare types. Distinct imaging features were identified in each pathological type. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma typically presents as a hypodense mass with poorly defined borders on computed tomography, whereas intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms present as characteristic cystic lesions with mural nodules. Neuroendocrine tumors often appear as hypervascular lesions in contrast-enhanced imaging. Statistical analysis revealed significant correlations between specific imaging features and pathological types (P < 0.001).
This study demonstrated a strong association between the pathological types of pancreatic cancer and imaging features. These findings can enhance the accuracy of noninvasive diagnosis and guide personalized treatment approaches.
Core Tip: Understanding the correlation between the pathological types of pancreatic cancer and their corresponding imaging features is crucial for early detection and treatment planning. Different types of pancreatic cancers exhibit distinct imaging characteristics, such as hypodense masses with poorly defined borders for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, cystic lesions with mural nodules for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, and hypervascular lesions for neuroendocrine tumors. Utilization of a combination of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and endoscopic ultrasound can aid in an accurate diagnosis. This knowledge can significantly improve diagnostic accuracy, inform personalized treatment strategies, and potentially enhance outcomes in patients with pancreatic cancer.