Work

Case Report: Discordant pancreatic inflammatory pseudotumor in a breast cancer survivor – a diagnostic dilemma

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Differentiating suspicious lesions presents a clinical challenge due to overlapping characteristics among benign, malignant, primary, and secondary pathologies, often leading to diagnostic errors and inappropriate treatment. Case presentation: We report on a 54-year-old patient with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) who, during postoperative surveillance, was found to have pancreatic lesions. Although initial imaging and biopsy suggested adenocarcinoma, surgical excision and subsequent histopathological examination revealed chronic pancreatitis with atypical hyperplasia. Conclusion: This case highlights the limitations of preoperative diagnostics and the complexity of distinguishing treatment-related injury from malignant recurrence, particularly in patients with prior exposure to radiotherapy and immunotherapy. To mitigate overtreatment, we advocate for a diagnostic paradigm that integrates systematic screening, advanced molecular profiling (e.g., next-generation sequencing), and a rigorous, multidisciplinary evaluation for all cancer survivors.

Source: Frontiers in Oncology

DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2026.1767121

Authors: Zhe Cao, Xiaohong Lyu, Xiaoyue Lu, Taiping Zhang

Institutions: Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Pancreatic and Hepatic Oncology Research

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801