A Dangerous Mimic: Chronic Pancreatitis Masquerading As Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma.

ABSTRACT

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) is the most common form of pancreatic cancer in adults, although extremely rare before the age of 40 years. It is known that the cytology of chronic pancreatitis can mimic pancreatic adenocarcinoma. We present a case of a 13-year-old male with chronic pancreatitis that was misdiagnosed as PAC. The patient subsequently underwent a Whipple procedure, highlighting the importance of a correct diagnosis prior to undergoing invasive surgical procedures.