| Theme |
Diagnostic Strategy of Pancreatic Carcinoma in Early Stage |
| Title |
Recent Progress on Ultrasonography of Small Pancreatic Cancers |
| Author |
Hiroo Hagi |
Department of Surgery, Kyorin University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Masanori Sugiyama |
Department of Surgery, Kyorin University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Yutaka Atomi |
Department of Surgery, Kyorin University School of Medicine |
| [ Summary ] |
According to a survey taken over the past 20 years by the Japan Pancreas Society, cases of resectable pancreatic cancer are most often first detected with ultrasonography. Ultrasonography demonstrates images of small pancreatic cancer as a homogenous, low-echoic mass with clear boundaries. The tissue harmonic imaging method enables easier detection of small pancreatic cancers. Dilatation of the pancreatobiliary ducts may be a clue to the diagnosis of small pancreatic cancer. Contrast enhanced ultrasonography is useful for differential diagnosis of pancreatic masses, staging diagnosis of cancers, and assessment of response to chemoradiotherapy. Ultrasonography, a convenient and noninvasive technique, is useful for detailed examination as well as screening of pancreatic cancers. |