Which statement is true regarding the relationship of pancreatic adenocarcinoma to biliary obstruction?

Which statement is true regarding the relationship of pancreatic adenocarcinoma to biliary obstruction?

• A. It is the most common malignant cause of biliary duct obstruction
• B. It is never associated with jaundice
• C. It never produces a pseudocyst
• D. It is most easily treated with antibiotics

Answer: (A)

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma, especially in the head of the pancreas, commonly causes biliary obstruction because the distal common bile duct runs through or beside the pancreatic head. The tumor’s growth can compress or invade this duct, blocking bile flow and leading to cholestasis and jaundice. This is why it’s the most frequent malignant cause of biliary duct obstruction. Jaundice can occur with this scenario, so saying it never occurs is inaccurate. Pseudocysts arise mainly from pancreatitis, not typically from pancreatic cancer, so that statement isn’t characteristic of how pancreatic adenocarcinoma relates to biliary obstruction. Antibiotics don’t address the obstruction or the cancer; treatment centers on relieving the obstruction and oncologic management of the tumor.

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma, especially in the head of the pancreas, commonly causes biliary obstruction because the distal common bile duct runs through or beside the pancreatic head. The tumor’s growth can compress or invade this duct, blocking bile flow and leading to cholestasis and jaundice. This is why it’s the most frequent malignant cause of biliary duct obstruction. Jaundice can occur with this scenario, so saying it never occurs is inaccurate. Pseudocysts arise mainly from pancreatitis, not typically from pancreatic cancer, so that statement isn’t characteristic of how pancreatic adenocarcinoma relates to biliary obstruction. Antibiotics don’t address the obstruction or the cancer; treatment centers on relieving the obstruction and oncologic management of the tumor.