| [ Summary ] |
Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) is the method most frequently used to confirm clinical suspicions of pancreatic carcinoma. The development of helical scanning has allowed the entire pancreas to be imaged during the bolus phase of contrast enhancement. It can detect pancreatic masses as small as 2cm and occasionally smaller, hepatic metastases, and extrapancreatic spreading. The accuracy of CT in predicting resectability is well established. In advanced cases, it may provide all the information needed for a complete diagnosis, including information on staging if metastases are observed. The usefulness of CT is limited in cases where there are small tumors, hepatic micrometastasis, or peritoneal spreading. |