Endoscopic ultrasound elastography for small solid pancreatic lesions with or without main pancreatic duct dilatation.

BACKGROUND: /Objectives: Endoscopic ultrasound elastography (EUS-EG) is useful for diagnosis of small solid pancreatic lesions (SPLs), particularly in excluding pancreatic cancer (PC), but its dependence on main pancreatic duct dilatation (MPDD) has not been examined. We aimed to investigate EUS-EG for diagnosis of small SPLs with and without MPDD. METHODS: Patients with pathologically diagnosed SPLs of ≤20 mm were included and retrospectively analyzed. Using the blue:green ratio, an EUS-EG image was classified as blue-dominant, equivalent, or green-dominant. Using multiple EUS-EG images per patient, a lesion with a greater number of blue-dominant than green-dominant images was classified as stiff, and the others as soft. EUS-EG images in random order were judged by three raters. Considering stiff SPLs as PC, diagnostic performance of EUS-EG was examined for SPLs with and without MPDD. RESULTS: Of 126 cases analyzed, 65 (52%) were diagnosed as PC, and 63 (50%) had MPDD. A total of 1077 EUS-EG images were examined (kappa coefficient = 0.783). Lesions were classified as stiff in 91 cases and soft in 35 (kappa coefficient = 0.932). The ratio of stiff to soft lesions was significantly higher in PC than in non-PC (62:3 vs. 29:32, P < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value of a stiff lesion with vs. without MPDD for diagnosis of PC were 94%, 23%, and 50% vs. 100%, 60%, and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Using the EUS-EG stiffness classification for small SPLs, PC can be excluded with high confidence and concordance for a soft lesion without MPDD.

[Clinical characteristics of metastasis-induced acute pancreatitis in patients with lung cancer].

Objective: To analyze the clinical features and prognosis of lung cancer patients with metastasis-induced acute pancreatitis (MIAP), and to provide clues for early diagnosis. Methods: The characteristics and prognosis of 8 patients with MIAP in lung cancer admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2002 to September 2019 were retrospectively analyzed and were compared with non-tumor-induced AP. Results: Sevencases(7/8) were Mild AP, one (1/8) was Severe AP. Four patients (4/8) presented with AP as the reporting sign and lung cancer was not diagnosed until (112±36) days after the onset of AP. Clinical manifestations included abdominal pain (8/8), weight loss (4/8), nausea and vomiting (2/8), and jaundice (1/8). Stages of lung cancer were all Ⅳ.Histopathology proved that seven cases (7/8) were small cell lung cancer, and one case (1/8) was poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. The median survival time was 11 months. Compared with non-tumor-induced AP, lung cancer patients with MIAP were older[(62±9) vs (48±15), P=0.018], the incidence of primary pancreatic duct dilatation (37.5% vs 3.1%, P=0.004) and abdominal lymphadenopathy (37.5% vs 6.3%, P=0.017) were higher; the level of hemoglobin [105.3±15.6) g/L vs (147.9±24.8) g/L, P<0.001] and hematocrit [(31.4±5.3) vs (42.5±6.1), P<0.001] were lower. Conclusions: Patientswith MIAP in lung cancer had poor outcome and unspecific symptoms. Old age, anemia, main pancreatic duct dilatation and abdominal lymphadenopathy are diagnostic clues that merit clinical attention.

Isolated Main Pancreatic Duct Dilatation: CT Differentiation Between Benign and Malignant Causes.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to retrospectively evaluate the differential CT features of isolated benign and malignant main pancreatic duct (MPD) dilatation and to investigate whether the diagnostic performance of radiologists can be improved with knowledge of these differential CT features. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-one patients who had isolated MPD dilatation without any visible mass on CT from January 2000 to October 2016 were retrospectively enrolled in the study. Two radiologists reviewed CT images in consensus for the location, shape (smooth vs abrupt), length of transition, dilated pancreatic duct (PD) diameter, presence of duct penetrating sign, parenchymal atrophy, attenuation difference, associated pancreatitis, calcification, PD or common bile duct (CBD) enhancement, and perilesional cyst. The chi-square test, Fisher exact test, and t test were used to find the differential CT features of benign and malignant MPD dilatation. Two successive review sessions for differentiation between the two disease entities were then independently performed by three other reviewers with differing expertise, with the use of a 5-point confidence scale. The first session provided no information for differentiation; however, reviewers were aware of the results of univariate analyses in the second session. The diagnostic performance of the radiologists was evaluated using a pairwise comparison of ROC curves. RESULTS: A total of 19 benign and 22 malignant MPD dilatations were identified. In patients with benign MPD dilatation, transition areas were frequently located in the head (57.9% [11/19] vs 13.6% [3/22], p = 0.003) and showed significantly shorter (< 6.1 mm) (78.9% [15/19] vs 9.1% [2/22], p < 0.0001) and smooth transition (89.5% [17/19] vs 9.1% [2/22], p < 0.0001). Duct penetrating sign was exclusively observed in patients with benign MPD dilatation (73.7% [14/19] vs 0% [0/22], p < 0.0001). In contrast, malignant MPD dilatation frequently was accompanied by attenuation difference (63.6% [14/22] vs 10.5% [2/19], p = 0.001) and associated PD or CBD enhancement (36.4% [8/22] vs 0% [0/19], p = 0.003). The AUC values of three reviewers significantly increased from 0.653, 0.587, and 0.884 to 0.864, 0.964, and 0.908, respectively, with knowledge of significant CT features (p = 0.013, p < 0.0001, and p = 0.701, respectively). CONCLUSION: Distal, long (≥ 6.1 mm), and abrupt transition, the absence of duct penetrating sign, and the presence of attenuation difference and PD or CBD enhancement were highly suggestive CT findings for differentiation of malignant from benign MPD dilatation. The diagnostic performance of radiologists with regard to differentiation was significantly improved with knowledge of these highly suggestive CT criteria.

Clinical influence of anastomotic stricture caused by pancreatogastrointestinalstomy following pancreatoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Pancreatic fistula after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is not uncommon, but few reports describe a stricture after pancreatogastrointestinalstomy. We investigated the clinical influence of anastomotic stricture caused by pancreatogastrointestinalstomy after PD. METHODS: The subjects of this prospective cohort study were 132 patients who underwent PD or pylorus-preserving PD. We reviewed the relationships between pancreatic duct dilatation of the remnant pancreas and several risk factors. We also compared pancreatic duct dilatation with pancreatic atrophy and analyzed nutrient parameters in the first postoperative year. RESULTS: Patients with a preoperative pancreatic duct diameter less than 3 mm had a significantly dilated postoperative pancreatic duct diameter (p = 0.0001). The average atrophy rate of the remnant pancreas was 26.3 %, with the lowest atrophy rate (7.3 %) seen in patients without pre- or postoperative pancreatic duct dilation. A normal pancreas in which pancreatic duct dilatation developed postoperatively had a high atrophy rate (34.9 %). Moreover, only patients without pre- or postoperative pancreatic dilatation gained body weight (3.9 %). CONCLUSION: This study shows a significant correlation between pancreatic atrophy rate and weight loss. Atrophy of the remnant pancreas caused by anastomotic stricture influences the exocrine function of patients after PD. The anastomotic method must be improved to prevent pancreatic duct dilatation and allow for early diagnosis and management of stenotic lesions.

Temporal progression of pancreatic cancer computed tomography findings until diagnosis: A large-scale multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Focal parenchymal atrophy and main pancreatic duct (MPD) dilatation have been identified as early signs of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. However, limited evidence exists regarding their temporal progression due to previous study limitations with restricted case numbers. OBJECTIVE: To ascertain a more precise frequency assessment of suspicious pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma findings as well as delineate the temporal progression of them. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective study was conducted on patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma between 2015 and 2021. We included patients who had undergone at least one computed tomography (CT) scan ≥6 months before diagnosing pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The temporal progression of suspicious pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma findings on CT was investigated. RESULTS: Out of 1832 patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, 320 had a previous CT before their diagnosis. Suspicious pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma findings were detected in 153 cases (47.8%), with focal parenchymal atrophy (26.6%) being the most common followed by MPD dilatation (11.3%). Focal parenchymal atrophy was the earliest detectable sign among all suspicious findings and became visible on average 2.7 years before diagnosis, and the next most common, MPD dilatation, 1.1 years before diagnosis. Other findings, such as retention cysts, were less frequent and appeared around 1 year before diagnosis. Focal parenchymal atrophy followed by MPD dilatation was observed in 10 patients but not in reverse order. Focal parenchymal atrophy was more frequently detected in the pancreatic body/tail. No significant relationship was found between the pathological pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma differentiation or tumor stage and the time course of the CT findings. All cases of focal parenchymal atrophy progressed just prior to diagnosis, and the atrophic area was occupied by tumor at diagnosis. Main pancreatic duct dilatation continued to progress until diagnosis. CONCLUSION: This large-scale study revealed that the temporal progression of focal parenchymal atrophy is the earliest detectable sign indicating pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. These results provide crucial insights for early pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma detection.

A case of pancreas divisum with marked dilatation of dorsal pancreatic duct.

A 56-year-old man was referred to our hospital for fever and back pain. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and endoscopic ultrasound revealed marked dilatation of the main pancreatic duct from head to tail and surrounding cysts with no evidence of pancreatic masses or obstructive causes. Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP) from the major duodenal papilla showed a short and narrow ventral pancreatic duct and ERP from the minor duodenal papilla revealed a dilated dorsal pancreatic duct with a narrow branch which connected to the ventral pancreatic duct. Intra-ductal ultrasound showed no nodules in the main pancreatic duct, and pancreatic cytology was negative. Peroral pancreatoscopy showed that the main pancreatic duct was covered with normal epithelium without tumors. Biopsy from the pancreatic duct showed no neoplastic changes. He was diagnosed with incomplete pancreas divisum accompanied by dilatation of dorsal pancreatic duct. Sphincterotomy of the minor duodenal papilla was performed. Seven months later, MRCP re-examination showed that the main pancreatic duct dilatation was relieved. Review of the literature identified 10 cases of pancreas divisum accompanied by dilatation of main pancreatic duct to date. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of pancreas divisum with pancreatic duct dilatation without Santorinicele.

Clinical and Imaging Predictors of Pancreatic Cancer in Patients Hospitalized for Acute Pancreatitis.

Background and Aims: Identifying factors associated with increased short-term risk of pancreatic cancer in the setting of acute pancreatitis (AP) can inform clinical care decisions and expedite cancer diagnosis. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of patients hospitalized for AP between 2007 and 2017 in an integrated health-care system in Southern California. AP cases were identified by diagnosis code with laboratory confirmation. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to assess risk of pancreatic cancer within 3 years of AP, adjusting for patient demographics, clinical parameters (body mass index, AP etiology, chronic pancreatitis, diabetes) and radiographic imaging features. Results: Among 9,490 patients hospitalized with AP, the mean (standard deviation) age was 55.8 (17.8) years, 55% were women, and 42% were Hispanic. Majority of AP cases were biliary (64%), 12% were alcohol-related, 5% were hypertriglyceridemia-induced, and 19% were other/unknown etiology. Ninety-five (1%) patients were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer within 3 years of AP (4.2 cases/1000 person-years). Risk factors for pancreatic cancer were age ≥65 years (hazard risk [HR]: 2.5, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2-5.3), male sex (HR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.2-2.8), Asian/Pacific Islander race (HR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1-3.6), and underweight body mass index (HR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.1-6.5). In addition, other/unknown AP etiology (HR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.3-3.1) and dilatation of the main pancreatic duct (HR: 6.6, 95% CI: 4.2-10.5) were independently associated with increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Conclusion: In addition to older age, the lack of well-established etiology, underweight body habitus, and main pancreatic duct dilatation were independently associated with increased short-term risk of pancreatic cancer among patients hospitalized for AP.

A novel risk factor panel predicts early recurrence in resected pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) are indolent pancreatic tumors derived from neuroendocrine cells in pancreatic islets. To date, reliable predictors for identifying patients at high risk for recurrence after curative cancer resection are lacking. We aimed to determine independent predictors for high-risk PanNETs and patient outcomes after surgery. METHODS: We analyzed relevant clinicopathological parameters in 319 consecutive patients of derivation cohort 1 and 106 patients of validation cohort 2 who underwent pancreatectomy and were diagnosed with PanNETs. Association of tumor characteristics with recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) was evaluated using Cox regression. RESULTS: PanNET grade 3 (G3), pancreatic duct dilatation, and perineural invasion were independent prognostic factors for RFS and were significantly associated with early recurrence (within 1.5 years) of PanNETs after curative resection (P = 0.019, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively). Using these factors, we established a novel risk factor panel (R-panel), which predicted early recurrence (P < 0.001, HR = 15.02, 95% CI 5.76-39.19). Predictive accuracy of this R-panel was favorable, with a C-index of 0.853, higher than AJCC TNM staging (0.713). We further built an integrated staging system combining R-panel scoring and TNM staging, which improved predictive probability of TNM staging. Finally, we showed that adjuvant therapy with long-acting somatostatin analogs (SSAs) significantly reduced postoperative recurrence (P < 0.001) and prolonged long-term survival (P = 0.021) in patients with the above risk factors. CONCLUSION: We identified a novel risk factor panel, which includes PanNET G3, pancreatic duct dilatation, and perineural invasion; this panel predicted early recurrence of PanNETs after curative resection. Patients with these risk factors can benefit from adjuvant therapy with SSAs.

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas in a young male with main pancreatic duct dilatation: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPNs) are rare tumors of the pancreas. Typically, they occur in young females, often have characteristic imaging features, such as cystic components and calcification, and have few effects on the pancreatic duct. CASE SUMMARY: A 31-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with the chief complaint of epigastric pain. There was only mild tenderness in his upper abdomen, and blood tests showed only a slight increase in alkaline phosphatase. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a 40-mm-diameter, hypovascular mass in the head of the pancreas, and the main pancreatic duct upstream of the mass was severely dilated. Magnetic resonance imaging showed low intensity on T1-weighted images, with high intensity on T2-weighted image in some parts. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma was the primary differential diagnosis. Portal vein infiltration could not be ruled out, so this case was a candidate for neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Subsequently, endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration was performed, and pathological evaluation and immunostaining suggested a diagnosis of SPN. Thus, pancreatoduodenectomy was performed. One year after the operation, the patient is alive with no recurrence. CONCLUSION: Main pancreatic duct dilatation is usually a finding of suspected pancreatic cancer. However, pancreatic duct dilatation can occur in SPN depending on the location and growth speed. Therefore, SPN should be considered in the differential diagnosis of tumors with pancreatic duct dilatation, and pathological evaluation by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration should be actively performed.

Focal Parenchymal Atrophy of the Pancreas Is Frequently Observed on Pre-Diagnostic Computed Tomography in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer: A Case-Control Study.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) accounts for the majority of all pancreatic cancers and is highly lethal. Focal parenchymal atrophy (FPA) of the pancreas has been reported as a characteristic imaging finding of early PDAC. Here, we reviewed 76 patients with PDAC who underwent computed tomography (CT) between 6 months and 3 years before PDAC diagnosis, as well as 76 sex- and age-matched controls without PDAC on CT examinations separated by at least 5 years. FPA was observed corresponding to the location of the subsequent tumor on pre-diagnostic CT in 14/44 (31.8%) patients between 6 months and 1 year, 14/51 (27.5%) patients between 1 and 2 years, and 9/41 (22.0%) patients between 2 and 3 years before PDAC diagnosis. Overall, FPA was more frequently observed in patients with PDAC (26/76; 34.2%) on pre-diagnostic CT than that in controls (3/76; 3.9%) (p < 0.001). FPA was observed before the appearance of cut-off/dilatation of the main pancreatic duct, suggesting that FPA might be the earliest sign of PDAC. FPA was less frequently found in tumors in the pancreatic head (3/27; 11.1%) than in those in the body (14/30; 46.7%) or tail (9/19; 47.4%). FPA may predict the subsequent PDAC diagnosis, serving as an important imaging sign for the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

Prevalence Rate and Predictive Factors of Pancreatic Diseases in Cases with Pancreatic Duct Dilatation: A Cross-sectional Study of a Large, Healthy Japanese Population.

Objectives To clarify the significance of ultrasonographically recorded pancreatic duct dilatation. Methods Various parameters predicting pancreatic disease were evaluated in relation to pancreatic duct dilatation using data from medical checkups of healthy examinees. Results Records of 281,384 subjects were analyzed. Pancreatic duct dilatation (≥3 mm) was determined ultrasonographically in 524 patients (0.19%). Subsequent detailed examinations revealed the presence of pancreatic disease in 24.8% of these patients, including pancreatic cysts (15.6%) and chronic pancreatitis (4.9%). Pancreatic cancer was found in 6 cases (1.3%). Predictive factors of pancreatic diseases in examinees with pancreatic duct dilatation were investigated, and the diameter of the pancreatic duct (p<0.001) and HbA1c (p=0.003) were identified by a multivariate analysis. The diameter of the pancreatic duct (p<0.013), HbA1c (p=0.009), and body mass index (p=0.032) were identified as predictive factors in pancreatic cancer. The diameter of the pancreatic duct (p<0.001), age (p=0.006), and bilirubin (p=0.020) in pancreatic cyst as well as the diameter of the pancreatic duct (p<0.001), white blood cells (p=0.022), HbA1c (p=0.033), and alkaline phosphatase (p=0.043) in chronic pancreatitis were also identified. In patients with pancreatic duct dilatation, the optimal cut-off values were 3.5 mm and 6.1% for the pancreatic duct diameter and age, respectively, based on a receiver operating characteristic analysis. Conclusion In cases with ultrasonography-determined pancreatic duct dilatation, subsequent detailed examinations of the pancreas were necessary because of the high-prevalence rate of 24.8%. In particular, marked pancreatic duct dilatation (≥3.5 mm) and elevated HbA1c (≥6.1%) strongly suggest the presence of pancreatic diseases.

Pancreatic Duct Stricture That Rapidly Progressed to Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma and Formed a Mass within 3 Months: A Case Report.

The natural growth rate of pancreatic carcinoma in situ with pancreatic duct stricture remains unclear. Herein, we present a case with pancreatic duct stricture that rapidly grew to form a mass lesion within 3 months. A 74-year-old woman was referred to us for the investigation of a pancreatic duct dilatation. Initial images did not reveal any clear mass lesions near the pancreatic duct stricture. Pancreatic juice cytology showed suspicious findings. Distal pancreatectomy was recommended; however, the patient refused to undergo surgical treatment at that time. Images taken 3 months later demonstrated a nodular pancreatic body mass which was identified as a moderately to poorly differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma. Previous reports have suggested that pancreatic carcinoma in situ and small pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma require at least 1-2 years to progress to an advanced mass. This case suggests that pancreatic carcinoma in situ may grow rapidly and indicates a need for close follow-up in patients with pancreatic duct strictures, even if the pathological evidence is not confirmed.

Pancreatic Duct Obstruction in a Middle-Aged Woman: A Case Report.

Background: Granular cell tumors (GCTs) are rare benign neoplasms of Schwann cells. These tumors have been described in almost every human organ. Although GCT has been described in the pancreas previously, we present a case report about GCTs in multiple organs at a simultaneous time. Case Presentation: A 51-year-old Caucasian female known with epilepsy and COPD presented with recurrent abdominal pain. Previously, endoscopic mucosal resection in the esophagus and lumpectomy of the right breast were performed for what proved to be GCTs. Computed tomography showed a hypodense unclearly demarcated tumor of the pancreas tail-body with the impression of infiltrative growth and pancreatic duct dilation. The patient underwent an uncomplicated distal pancreatectomy with the pathological examination showing a fibrotic area of 6 mm consisting of diffusely spread nests of large cells embedded in a collagenous stroma of the pancreatic tail. The tumor nuclei were not atypical and the cytoplasm was granular and eosinophilic. The cell clusters stained positive for S-100 and CD68 in the cell cytoplasm. The diagnosis, GCT of the pancreas, was made and the postoperative course was uneventful for our patient, and a year after surgery, there have been no new tumorous lesions detected. Conclusion: We present a rare case of multiple GCTs affecting the breast, esophagus, and pancreas. Although GCT of the pancreas is a rare disease, the diagnosis should be considered if there is GCT in the medical history of the patient.

Acute pancreatitis-onset carcinoma in situ of the pancreas with focal fat replacement diagnosed using serial pancreatic-juice aspiration cytologic examination (SPACE).

A 59-year-old woman was admitted for acute pancreatitis. Abdominal computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a swollen pancreatic parenchyma with dilatation of the main pancreatic duct (MPD) of the pancreas tail, which was separated from the normal pancreas body side by a locally atrophic part of the pancreas. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed MPD stricture in the pancreas tail with dilatation of the upstream MPD. Endoscopic ultrasonography revealed that the MPD stricture of the pancreas tail was surrounded by a blurred and hypoechoic area. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was performed for serial pancreatic-juice aspiration cytologic examination (SPACE). The result indicated adenocarcinoma. Distal pancreatectomy was performed, and the histopathological examination showed high-grade PanIN (carcinoma in situ of the pancreatic duct) of the pancreas tail with atrophy and fibrosis of the pancreatic parenchyma, and local fat replacement adjacent to the lesion. The final histopathological diagnosis was carcinoma in situ of the pancreatic duct of the pancreas tail. Acute pancreatitis and local fatty change of the pancreatic parenchyma with MPD stricture are important clinical manifestations of pancreatic carcinoma in situ (PCIS) and performing SPACE in cases of MPD stricture without a recognizable mass is preferable for a diagnosis of PCIS.

Clinical and radiologic characteristics of pancreatic head carcinoma without main pancreatic duct dilatation: using dual-phase contrast-enhanced CT scan.

PURPOSE: The purpose was to evaluate characteristics of pancreatic cancer without main pancreatic duct (MPD) dilatation on dual-phase computed tomographic (CT) scans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 16 patients with pancreatic head cancer without accompanying MPD dilatation and 39 patients with MPD dilatation RESULTS: Elevation of serum amylase level and peripancreatic fluid collection were more frequently seen in the MPD(-). Common bile duct dilatation and atrophy of the upstream pancreatic parenchyma were more frequently seen in MPD(+). CONCLUSION: Pancreatic cancers without MPD dilatation were more frequently related to acute pancreatitis and had fewer secondary signs. Thus, early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer with these characteristics could be difficult.

Pancreatic cancer: Slow progression in the early stages.

INTRODUCTION: The rates of pancreatic cancer development in the early stages of growth remain unclear; but it is generally believed that they demonstrate a rapid degree of progression. There is evidence to suggest that pancreatic cancers measuring less than 1cm demonstrate better survival rates, hence it is clear that detecting pancreatic cancers less than 1cm in size is of paramount importance. However, to date, there has been no scientifically adequate research to show the growth rate of small pancreatic cancers less than 1cm in the early stages. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present the case of a 65-year-old woman whose small pancreatic cancer possibly demonstrated a slow progressive rate as it grew to an invasive carcinoma measuring 1cm diameter from over the 29 months. DISCUSSION: It is reasonable to assume that the progression of some pancreatic cancers until 1cm size, can take up to 29 months. During this silent period, it is crucial to detect such a small pancreatic cancer by means of the initial US and subsequent EUS and ERCP. It is clear, therefore, that clinicians have to be aware of the growth rate of small pancreatic cancers and in particular high risk patients should be encouraged to monitor size of the main pancreatic duct by means of US on regular basis. CONCLUSION: This could give better outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients. Hopefully, by detecting these lethal, pancreatic cancers in their early stages, it will give us an extension of time to perform effective therapies.