Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common malignant tumor of the pancreas, accounting for over 90% of pancreatic cancers, and carries one of the worst prognoses of all solid tumors due to late presentation and limited treatment options. On ultrasound, PDAC typically appears as a hypoechoic, poorly defined mass, most commonly in the pancreatic head (approximately 70% of cases), often causing dilation of both the common bile duct and pancreatic duct — the classic ‘double duct sign’. Sonographic findings may also include vascular encasement of the superior mesenteric artery or vein and hepatic metastases. Ultrasound is often the initial imaging study, but CT and MRCP/EUS provide more definitive staging information.
Associated Anatomy: Pancreas
Signs & Symptoms: Painless jaundice, weight loss, epigastric pain, new-onset diabetes, back pain
ICD-10: C25