Secondary Tumors of the Pancreas: A Case Series
- Correspondence to: Wasif Saif, MD, MBBS, Professor of Clinical Medicine, Director, Cl. Sec. of GI Cancers, Medical Director, Pancreas Center, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, U.S.A. Tel: +1 2123050592, Fax: +1 2123053035, e-mail: mws2138{at}columbia.edu
Abstract
Metastatic carcinoma of the pancreas from another primary site is uncommon and it accounts for 2-5% of all pancreatic cancer cases. We reported the case of one patient with pancreatic metastasis from colon carcinoma in the past and would like to add another six cases of pancreatic metastases from different types of cancer. The diagnosis of cancer metastatic to the pancreas should be suspected when patients have a history of malignancy, especially of kidney, skin, lung, colon and breast cancer. Besides imaging studies, such as computed tomography (CT) scan, bone scan and positron emission tomography (PET)/CT scan, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided biopsy has most value in ruling out second primary pancreatic cancer. The prognosis of pancreatic metastases is essentially determined by the underlying primary cancer and the potential treatment options.
- Received February 15, 2012.
- Revision received March 15, 2012.
- Accepted March 16, 2012.
- Copyright© 2012 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved
