Year: 2025 | Month: June | Volume: 12 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 571-575
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20250664
Association of Pancreatic Carcinoma with Chronic Pancreatitis - A 6-Year Observational Study
Dr. P. Niveditha1, Dr. M. Vijaya Lakshm2i, Dr. E. Kavya3, Dr. K. Durga4
Department of Pathology, Narayana Medical College, Dr. NTR University, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Corresponding Author: Dr. P. Niveditha
ABSTRACT
Chronic pancreatitis, though a relatively uncommon condition, is a significant risk factor for the development of pancreatic cancer. The interplay between persistent inflammation and oncogene activation plays a critical role in driving this malignancy along with tobacco use contributing as a co-factor. In cases of alcohol-induced chronic pancreatitis, the cumulative risk of cancer is estimated to be around 4% after 15 to 20 years.
Diagnosing pancreatic cancer in these patients is challenging due to overlapping symptoms between the two conditions and structural changes in the pancreas that complicate imaging interpretation. So, the clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for cancer when patients present with symptoms such as persistent back pain, unexplained weight loss, poorly controlled diabetes, or jaundice.
Imaging studies must be carefully examined, and in cases of uncertainty, endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy may help by targeting the areas of concern. Close monitoring through both clinical evaluations and diagnostic testing is essential to detect cancer at early stage where surgical intervention remains a viable option. When uncertainty persists, surgical exploration of the pancreas may be warranted.
Keywords: Pancreatic Carcinoma, Chronic Pancreatitis, Acute Pancreatitis, Auto-immune Pancreatitis, Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma.
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