PANCREATIC MASS

Question 1

A pancreatic head mass is an abnormal
growth or tumor located in the head of
the pancreas, which is the part of the
pancreas closest to the small intestine
and bile duct. This mass can be either
benign or malignant (cancerous).

Answer 1

Pancreatic Mass

Question 2

This is
the most common type of pancreatic
cancer, accounting for the majority of
pancreatic head masses. It arises from
the ductal cells of the pancreas and is
often aggressive. It can invade nearby
structures and metastasize to distant
organs.

Answer 2

Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Question 3

These tumors originate from the
pancreatic islet cells that produce
hormones. They can be functional,
meaning they produce hormones such
as insulin, glucagon, or gastrin, leading
to specific symptoms, or non-functional,
causing symptoms related to mass
effect. _____ can be benign or malignant.

Answer 3

Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
(NETs)

Question 4

These are
fluid-filled sacs or pockets that may
develop in the pancreas. Some cystic
lesions are benign, while others may
have the potential to become
cancerous. Examples include serous
cystadenomas, mucinous cystic
neoplasms (MCNs), intraductal papillary
mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs), and solid
pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPNs).

Answer 4

Pancreatic Cystic Lesions

Question 5

These
are benign tumors that arise from the
ductal epithelium of the pancreas. They
are usually small and asymptomatic but
can grow and cause obstruction if they
become large enough.

Answer 5

Pancreatic Ductal Adenomas

Question 6

Lymphomas
can occasionally involve the pancreas,
presenting as a mass in the pancreatic
head. Primary ______
are rare, and most cases are
non-Hodgkin _______

Answer 6

Pancreatic Lymphoma

Question 7

Tumors from
other organs, such as the stomach,
colon, lung, or breast, can spread to the
pancreas and form metastatic masses.

Answer 7

Metastatic Tumors

Question 8

These are
non-neoplastic lesions that mimic the
appearance of a tumor on imaging but
are not composed of abnormal cells.
Examples include focal pancreatitis,
autoimmune pancreatitis, and
pancreatic pseudocysts.

Answer 8

Pseudotumors

Question 9

Some
masses in the pancreatic head may
have mixed solid and cystic
components, making their classification more complex. These may include
various types of cystic neoplasms or
mixed-type tumors.

Answer 9

Solid and Cystic Masses

Question 10

● Fatigue
● Severe Abdominal Pain
● Jaundice
● Dark Urine
● Light-colored/Greasy Stool
● Weight loss/Poor appetite
● Nausea and Vomiting
● Back pain
● Gallbladder/Liver enlargement

Answer 10

Signs and symptoms of pancreatic mass