PANCREATIC HEAD CANCER: DIAGNOSIS, MANAGEMENT AND PROGNOSIS

Abstract

Pancreatic head cancer is one of the most aggressive malignant neoplasms, with a clinical presentation that is often nonspecific. We report the case of a 59-year-old male patient who presented with diffuse abdominal pain, hyporexia, and significant weight loss. The tumor marker CA 19-9 was elevated, and the CT scan revealed a mass in the uncinate process of the pancreas, in close relation to the superior mesenteric vein. The diagnosis of pancreatic head cancer was confirmed. The vascular invasion identified suggested an advanced stage of the disease, limiting curative surgical options. The therapeutic approach included neoadjuvant chemotherapy. This report reinforces the importance of early diagnosis, despite the often silent nature of the disease. We also discussed advances in adjuvant therapies and new treatments under investigation, such as immunotherapy.