A rare case of exophytic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with multiple metastases shown on 18F-FDG PET/CT

Exophytic pancreatic cancer is an extremely rare subtype of pancreatic cancer that has not been strictly defined but is based on morphological origin. Herein, we reported a 69-year-old man who presented with an unexplained elevation of CA199. He was diagnosed with exophytic pancreatic cancer by β-2-Fluoro-2-deoxy-D-Glucose (18F-FDG) Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/Computed Tomography (CT), which exhibited a high 18F-FDG-avid mass behind the body of the pancreas. In addition, multiple metastases, including liver, lung, and lymph nodes, were apparently detected. Finally, Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) was pathologically confirmed. A posterior pancreatic mass attached to the pancreas and accompanied by elevated CA199 and hyperglucose metabolism could be linked to exophytic pancreatic cancer, which is significant to be aware of for early diagnoses and treatment.