Differential Diagnosis for Pancreatic Lesion
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Ampullary adenoma or carcinoma: The location of the hypodense lesion at the ampulla of Vater, along with the dilatation of the common bile duct and pancreatic duct, strongly suggests a lesion originating from the ampulla. Adenomas and carcinomas in this area can cause obstructive symptoms and ductal dilatation.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Choledocholithiasis: A stone in the common bile duct could cause dilatation of the bile duct and potentially affect the pancreatic duct, depending on its location and the presence of a stone in the ampulla of Vater.
- Pancreatic adenocarcinoma: Although less likely given the specific location at the ampulla, a pancreatic adenocarcinoma could cause ductal dilatation and a mass lesion. However, the primary location of pancreatic adenocarcinoma is more commonly in the pancreatic head, body, or tail.
- Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN): IPMNs can cause dilatation of the pancreatic duct and can be associated with a mass at the ampulla if the IPMN involves the main pancreatic duct and extends to the ampulla.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Cholangiocarcinoma: A malignancy of the bile duct that could present with similar findings, including ductal dilatation. It's crucial to consider this diagnosis due to its significant implications for treatment and prognosis.
- Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET): Although less common, PNETs can occur in the head of the pancreas and cause ductal obstruction. They have a varied prognosis depending on their characteristics and potential for malignancy.
Rare Diagnoses
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) of the duodenum: A rare tumor of the duodenum that could potentially cause extrinsic compression of the bile and pancreatic ducts, leading to dilatation.
- Lymphoma involving the ampulla of Vater: A rare condition where lymphoma involves the ampulla, causing obstructive symptoms and ductal dilatation.
- Metastasis to the ampulla of Vater: Metastatic disease from other primary sites can rarely involve the ampulla, mimicking primary ampullary lesions.