Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Also written as PDAC.
Pancreatic neoplasms range from benign serous cystadenomas to highly aggressive pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).
What our notes say
- Pancreatic neoplasms range from benign serous cystadenomas to highly aggressive pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). (Pancreatic Disorders: A Comprehensive Review)
- Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) Location: 60-70% occur in the HEAD of the pancreas. (Pancreatic Disorders: A Comprehensive Review)
Study material on Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
- Pancreatic Disorders: A Comprehensive Review
- MCQ: Gastrointestinal Pathology
- Weekly Pathology Exam - March 7, 2026 (Section A: MCQs)
Practice questions on Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Which genetic mutation is found in >90% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cases?
- P53
- KRAS
- BRCA2
- SMAD4
Answer: B. Activating mutations in the KRAS oncogene are the most common genetic alteration in pancreatic cancer, present in nearly all cases. ---
Which precursor lesion leads to invasive pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma?
- PanNET
- PanIN (Pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia)
- Serous cystadenoma
- Retention cyst
Answer: B. PanINs are the microscopic precursor lesions that progress through stages (1-3) to invasive carcinoma. ---
Which genetic mutation is found in >90% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cases?
- TP53
- SMAD4
- KRAS
- BRCA2
Answer: C. Activating KRAS mutations are the hallmark and earliest mutation in the PanIN → PDAC sequence. ---
Which precursor lesion leads to invasive pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma through sequential mutation accumulation?
- Mucinous cystic neoplasm
- Serous cystadenoma
- Pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN)
- Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm
Answer: C. PanIN is the established precursor. Mutations accumulate: KRAS → CDKN2A → TP53 → SMAD4. ---