Pancreatic Abscess Misdiagnosed and Treated as Pancreatic Cancer

A preoperative diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is not hundred percent accurate. Because of the uncertainty in the diagnosis of pancreatic tumours, some benign pancreatic diseases have been misdiagnosed as pancreatic cancer and treated with surgical resection. This approach has a significant negative impact on the physical and psychological well-being of the patients. Herein, we report a case of a pancreatic abscess misdiagnosed as pancreatic cancer. The patient recovered well after total pancreatico-duodenectomy, without any postoperative complications. However, total pancreaticoduodenectomy has possible future adverse consequences. Therefore, our case findings highlight the need that clinicians should be aware of the differential diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and consider the possibility of a pancreatic abscess preoperatively, especially in patients with diabetes. Laparoscopic exploration is recommended to avoid the trauma caused by an open surgery.