Grey-scale ultrasonic characteristics of carcinoma of the pancreas

Abstract

Sonograms (55) were performed on 25 cases of surgically and histologically proven carcinoma of the pancreas. The sonographic appearances of the tumor were determined. A diffuse echogenic pattern with irregular margin was the most common appearance. Displacement and indentation of the inferior vena cava and superior mesenteric vessels, greatly assist in localizing the tumor to the pancreas. A reliable prediction of tumor size and resectability cannot be determined by sonography alone. Sonography is helpful in assessing the response of unresectable pancreatic carcinoma to therapy. A more sonolucent appearance of the tumor occurs following chemotherapy.