Transabdominal ultrasound for proper assessment of pancreatic lesions

Abstract

Summary: In recent years, the risk factors of pancreatic cancer (PC) and imaging findings of early-stage PC with good prognosis have been clarified. Currently, there is no population-based screening for early detection of PC, but transabdominal ultrasound (US) is widely used for abdominal screening in health checkups and comprehensive medical checkups as opportunistic screening. US in cancer screening and health checkups is designed to detect diseases on a uniform basis, with no differences among institutions. US is expected to detect pancreatic neoplasms and individuals at high risk of PC such as pancreatic cysts and main pancreatic duct dilatation. Its effective use requires recognition of the pancreatic parenchyma, proper reading of the lesion, consideration of pitfalls, and extensive demonstration of the pancreas by changing body positions.