Role of endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in isolated pancreatic metastasis from lung cancer.

A case is reported of a 50-year-old woman with a history of small-cell lung cancer admitted with pancreatic head lesions, discovered during investigation for obstructive jaundice. Endoscopic ultrasound assisted fine needle aspiration of the pancreatic mass was consistent with small cell carcinoma, presenting as an isolated metastasis from the previously diagnosed lung cancer. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) showed extrinsic compression and a bile duct stricture, requiring sphincterotomy and stent insertion. This case highlights that acute pancreatitis and biliary obstruction can occur as a manifestation of small cell lung cancer metastasizing to the pancreas. EUS is a safe, low risk and rapid diagnostic tool in such cases, and ERCP with stenting offers a safe and effective treatment option.