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Primary pancreatic lymphoma
M Bouvet1, G A Staerkel, F R Spitz
1Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas, Houston, USA.
Surgery
|April 29, 1998
Summary
Primary pancreatic lymphoma, a rare cancer, can mimic pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Diagnosis relies on symptoms, lab results, imaging, and fine-needle aspiration biopsy, guiding treatment with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Primary pancreatic lymphoma is a rare malignancy.
- It can be misdiagnosed as pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
- This study reviews experience to clarify presentation and diagnostic roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the clinical presentation of primary pancreatic lymphoma.
- To clarify the role of fine-needle aspiration biopsy.
- To determine the role of surgery in managing pancreatic lymphoma.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 11 patients treated from 1980-1995.
- Analysis of patient demographics, imaging, biopsy, and treatment data.
- Evaluation of computed tomography (CT) scans and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy findings.
Main Results:
- Median age was 64; abdominal pain was the most common symptom.
- CT scans showed vessel encasement in 6/11 patients.
- CT-guided FNA diagnosed lymphoma in 5/7 patients; 2-year survival was high with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Conclusions:
- Pancreatic lymphoma is distinguishable from adenocarcinoma using clinical, laboratory, radiographic, and FNA findings.
- Systemic chemotherapy is the primary treatment.
- Radiotherapy may be used post-chemotherapy if tumor is unresected.