Advancements in Diagnosis and Surgical Management of Pancreatic Head Cancer: A Case Study on Vascular Invasion and Treatment Strategies

Pancreatic tumors present significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to their complex nature and deep anatomical location. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common and aggressive subtype, marked by high mortality rates resulting from late-stage diagnosis and frequent vascular invasion. This report presents a case of a 49-year-old male with a pancreatic head mass causing biliary obstruction, emphasizing the role of advanced imaging and multidisciplinary management. Diagnostic imaging, including multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), was critical in determining tumor location and vascular involvement. Venous invasion was identified, which is generally surgically manageable, in contrast to arterial invasion, which complicates surgery. The patient underwent an extended pancreaticoduodenectomy with venous reconstruction, showcasing the potential for surgical intervention in select cases. For those with unresectable tumors, biliary drainage, chemotherapy (e.g., FOLFIRINOX), and palliative care remain important for symptom management and survival extension. This case highlights the importance of precise imaging in evaluating resectability and planning individualized treatments. Despite advances, the prognosis for PDAC remains poor, emphasizing the need for further research into enhanced diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Key words: pancreatic tumor, pancreatic oduidenectomy, exocrine tumors, vascular invasion, advanced imaging.