Pancreatic tuberculosis with splenic tuberculosis mimicking advanced pancreatic cancer with splenic metastasizes: a case report
2008
Case of Pancreatic Tuberculosis Mimicking Cancer
Sample size: 1
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Rong YF, Lou WH, Jin DY
Primary Institution: Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University
Conclusion
The case illustrates that pancreatic tuberculosis can mimic pancreatic cancer, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, the patient can recover well.
Supporting Evidence
- Pancreatic tuberculosis is extremely rare but has been increasingly reported in the last 20 years.
- Most cases are diagnosed only after tissue pathology via biopsy or exploratory laparotomy.
- Patients with pancreatic tuberculosis often respond well to antituberculosis treatment.
Takeaway
A woman thought to have pancreatic cancer actually had tuberculosis in her pancreas and spleen, which can be treated with medicine.
Methodology
The patient underwent laparotomy and histological examination to confirm the diagnosis.
Limitations
The diagnosis of pancreatic tuberculosis is often challenging due to nonspecific symptoms and the difficulty in distinguishing it from pancreatic cancer.
Participant Demographics
The patient was a 60-year-old woman with a history of several surgeries.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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