Ultrasound imaging features of pancreatic cancer

In clinical practice, ultrasound examination can be used for the diagnosis and differentiation of pancreatic cancer. So, what are the characteristics of the sonogram of pancreatic cancer?

(1) Pancreatic cancer lesions often occur in the head of the pancreas. The pancreas in the lesion area is locally enlarged, with a solid low-echo mass inside, clear boundaries, irregular shape, and echo attenuation at the back. Early and smaller pancreatic cancer does not cause changes in the size and shape of the pancreas. The lesion is round, with smooth and regular edges, low and uniform echoes inside, and no obvious echo attenuation at the back. A small number of diffuse pancreatic cancers cause widespread enlargement of the pancreas.

(2) The main pancreatic duct is often dilated and larger than 3 mm. The mass in the pancreatic head may compress and invade the terminal end of the common bile duct, leading to stenosis, occlusion, and dilatation of the bile duct.

(3) Often accompanied by liver metastases and surrounding lymph node enlargement

(4) Color Doppler ultrasound shows localized hypoechoic mass, with star-shaped pulsating colored blood flow visible inside the mass and compressed blood vessels in the surrounding area forming colored rings. Diffuse pancreatic cancer can be detected with tortuous and dilated blood vessels in the pancreas with rich colors.

(5) Pulse Doppler sampling at the lesion site displayed by color Doppler can detect the arterial and venous blood flow spectrum, and reduce PI and RI. Diffusely enlarged pancreas can compress the portal vein, celiac artery, superior mesenteric artery and vein, and splenic vein. Pulse Doppler can show changes in blood flow velocity in the lumen.