[Differential diagnosis of masses in the head of the pancreas area].

Masses in the head of the pancreas area may be caused by neoplastic, inflammatory and a variety of other processes originating within the pancreas or in adjacent structures and organs. CT following intravenous bolus injection of the contrast agent and oral staining of the small bowel allows the precise anatomic localization of the lesion and helps to evaluate its dignity and pathology. Nevertheless, frequently the final can be established only at open surgery and by histopathologic examination of the resected specimen.