Nonpancreatic primary tumors with metastasis to the pancreas.

A retrospective review of 27 patients with metastatic lesions of the pancreas was conducted. Tissue confirmation of the diagnosis was obtained in all patients. The colon and lung were the most common sites of primary tumor, but a wide variety of primary sites was also found. Pain and jaundice were the most common presenting symptoms. Most patients were managed without pancreatic resection. Mean survival time after diagnosis of pancreatic metastasis was 8.7 months. The diagnosis of metastatic tumors to the pancreas should be considered in all patients with a pancreatic mass, particularly in those with a previously diagnosed malignant lesion.