Heterotopic Pancreas : Treatment

Comments:
Treatment & Prognosis: Pancreatic heterotopia is a benign, non-neoplastic lesion that is usually asymptomatic. Rare cases develop complications, including islet cell tumor or ductal adenocarcinoma.

Small, superficial lesions are usually treated by endoscopic resection. In case of larger lesions, laparoscopic wedge resection may become necessary.

About this image: Wedge resection specimen of stomach showing heterotopic pancreas as a dome-shaped, intramural nodule with smooth overlying mucosa. A dimple (blue arrow) marks the orifice of rudimentary duct system.

Image courtesy of: Stefania Landolfi, MD; Barcelona, Spain; used with permission