Diagnostic Dilemma: Pancreas Cancer vs Chronic Pancreatitis

Distinguishing chronic pancreatitis (CP) from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma poses a significant diagnostic challenge given overlapping symptoms, risk factors, and imaging findings. Misclassification can result in delayed oncologic treatment or unnecessary resection. Advances in diagnostic modalities have improved diagnostic accuracy, but there is still limited ability to differentiate these diagnoses with certainty in certain cases. Multimodal diagnostic approaches, combined with multidisciplinary evaluation, are critical to guide management. Current guidelines focus on screening high-risk patients, emphasizing the importance of clinical judgment, and maintaining a high level of concern for malignancy in ambiguous cases to optimize patient outcomes.