Malignant Neoplasm Of Pancreas Differential Diagnosis Table

Malignant Neoplasm of Pancreas Differential Diagnosis Table:

Malignant neoplasm of the pancreas is the cancerous overgrowth of pancreatic cells. There are two types of pancreatic cancer: either exocrine tumor, which accounts for 90% of pancreatic cancer, or neuroendocrine tumor, which accounts for only 10% and is more life-threatening.
Pancreatic cancer can cause symptoms like jaundice, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and back pain.
Diagnosis of pancreatic cancer can be tricky since most imaging tests may not show the disease, especially in the first stages of the tumor. That’s why when most people discover they have pancreatic cancer, it’s already advanced, which makes treatment more difficult.
Just like most tumors, the most definitive diagnostic test for confirmation of the disease is PET scan and biopsy.

How to Distinguish Malignant Neoplasm of Pancreas from Other Diseases

Distinguish Gallstones from Malignant Neoplasm of Pancreas – Diagnosis

Gallstones are usually formed from cholesterol, forming stones that vary in size. These stones can be asymptomatic if small in size, but if they are large in size or large in number, they can cause severe abdominal pain and back pain. Although this can block the bile duct, which leads to jaundice. Usually, gallstones are removed surgically, and most commonly they are removed laparoscopically in a minor procedure.

• Ultrasound of the gallbladder can easily diagnose gallstones; it is the most used diagnostic test.
• More specific tests like MRCP or ERCP can be used for the diagnosis of gallstones and to see other complications that may have been caused like pancreatitis. ERCP can be used for treatment as well as diagnosis.
• Blood tests for bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase can be used too, to follow up the presence of jaundice and monitor prognosis.

Distinguish Chronic Pancreatitis from Malignant Neoplasm of Pancreas – Diagnosis

Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive inflammatory condition of the pancreas that causes irreversible damage and complications of the organ. Unlike acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis may remain asymptomatic for a long duration, causing damage and fibrosis in the pancreas.

• Usually, MRCP and ERCP are the main diagnostic tools for chronic pancreatitis. They both can reveal calcifications, which are the hallmark of the disease.
• Other imaging tests like ultrasound and CT scan can be used, but they usually don’t show calcifications.
• Blood tests like Amylase and Lipase (Pancreatic enzymes) and CRP and ESR (inflammatory markers) are usually elevated.

Distinguish Benign Pancreatic Tumors from Malignant Neoplasm of Pancreas – Diagnosis

Benign pancreatic tumors are the non-cancerous growth of pancreatic lesions. They can happen in many forms such as cysts and hamartomas. They are harmless and usually removed surgically and have a low recurrence rate.

• Imaging tests like CT, MRI, and ultrasound are the fastest non-invasive diagnostic tests.
• A biopsy may be needed for more confirmation and to rule out malignancy.
• Endoscopic ultrasound can also be used for diagnosis to give a closer look and help examine the lesion itself.

Distinguish Pancreatic Pseudocyst from Malignant Neoplasm of Pancreas – Diagnosis

Pancreatic pseudocyst is a sac filled with fluid usually from pancreatic enzymes. This cyst is formed outside the pancreas after acute pancreatitis. This cyst usually causes symptoms of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. The treatment of pseudocyst can vary from medical treatment and rest to surgery to remove the cyst.

• Imaging tests like CT and MRI are usually used for diagnosis.
• Endoscopic ultrasound can be used if a closer look is needed and to take a biopsy as well for confirmation of the disease.

Distinguish Gastritis from Malignant Neoplasm of Pancreas – Diagnosis

Gastritis is an inflammation in the stomach lining. It’s usually caused by bacterial or viral infection. It’s a very common condition that usually resolves within a few days with medical treatment.

• Upper GI series, which is an X-ray with barium that gives clear images to help in the diagnosis of any GIT conditions.
• Stool tests to detect any blood or any bacterial or parasitic infections that may have caused gastritis.
• Blood tests to show levels of WBCs, CRP, and ESR.

Distinguish Peptic Ulcer Disease from Malignant Neoplasm of Pancreas – Diagnosis

Peptic ulcer is the discontinuation of mucous lining of the stomach because of increased acids in the stomach, mainly caused by either H. pylori or NSAIDs. This causes severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which may progress to perforation, requiring endoscopic repair.

• Endoscopy is the main diagnostic test for peptic ulcers; it can visualize ulcers and any presence of bleeding.
• H. pylori tests like stool tests and breath urea test are usually needed since H. pylori is the most common cause of peptic ulcer.
• GI series with barium may be needed if endoscopy fails to show the ulcers.

Distinguish Duodenal Ulcer Disease from Malignant Neoplasm of Pancreas – Diagnosis

Duodenal ulcer is a subtype of peptic ulcer that happens in the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine. Most patients with duodenal ulcer feel symptoms of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. They may also feel some bloating and loss of appetite. Like peptic ulcer, duodenal ulcer can also be managed either medically or, in some cases, surgery is needed.

• Endoscopy is the main diagnostic tool for duodenal ulcer. Sometimes it can be used for treatment, and if needed, a biopsy can be taken to provide further information.
• Tests for H. pylori like stool test and urea breath test.

Distinguish Ampullary Cancer Disease from Malignant Neoplasm of Pancreas – Diagnosis

Ampullary cancer is a cancer that develops in the ampulla of Vater, which is the part that connects the bile duct to the small intestine. This often leads to gastrointestinal symptoms with jaundice. Treatment of ampullary cancer involves surgical removal.

• Imaging tests like CT and MRI can diagnose ampullary cancer, but further tests may be needed.
• ERCP is usually a good diagnostic tool, and it can help identify the presence of other complications in the gallbladder and pancreas. A biopsy can be taken too.
• If other imaging tests fail, endoscopic ultrasound can help confirm the disease.

Important Red Flag in Malignant Neoplasm of Pancreas

Pancreatic cancer is often a very progressive type of tumor with a low survival rate. This may be because most people don’t find out about it except in late stages.
Since there’s no routine checkup for pancreatic cancer, there are a few warning signs that most people need to know that may be due to pancreatic tumors like unexplained weight loss over a few months, abdominal pain, and jaundice.
Some red flags in pancreatic cancer are the presence of blood clots that can lead to deep vein thrombosis. This may be dangerous since it can lead to pulmonary embolism and eventually death.
Presence of abdominal bloating may indicate the presence of ascites and hepatic involvement. This usually means that the cancer has metastasized and it’s no longer operable.