# Diagnostic challenge: pancreatic cancer masked by peripancreatic fluid collection after acute pancreatitis

## TL;DR

This paper discusses how pancreatic cancer can be difficult to diagnose when it follows an episode of acute pancreatitis, as seen in two case examples.

## Contribution

The novelty lies in highlighting the diagnostic challenge of pancreatic cancer masked by peripancreatic fluid collection after acute pancreatitis through case series.

## Key findings

- Pancreatic cancer can present with acute pancreatitis as an initial symptom in approximately 1% of cases.
- Up to 5.9% of pancreatic cancer cases in the U.S. are preceded by acute pancreatitis.
- Only 15% of pancreatic cancer cases are resectable at diagnosis, contributing to poor survival rates.

## Abstract

Pancreatic cancer (PC) manifests as a highly aggressive neoplastic growth, ranking as the fourth major contributor to cancer-related mortality in the United States. Despite sustained efforts, the incidence of PC is projected to rise, and the mortality rate has seen only a marginal reduction over time. A mere 15% of pancreatic cancer cases are deemed resectable upon presentation, explaining the notably low 5-year survival rate associated with this malignancy. Acute pancreatitis (AP) encompasses various degrees of inflammation in the pancreas, leading to diverse outcomes. While commonly associated with gallstone and alcohol use, it can serve as the initial presentation of PC in approximately 1% of cases. Our case series highlights two patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer (PC) following an episode of acute pancreatitis (AP). It is not uncommon for PC to be preceded by AP, with up to 5.9% of PC cases in the United States presenting similarly.