Metastatic Small Cell Carcinoma Presenting as Acute Pancreatitis

Small cell carcinoma is a malignant lung cancer with poor prognosis that occurs almost exclusively in heavy smokers. Small cell cancer typically arises from the central airways, with the most common presentation being a large hilar mass with bulky mediastinal adenopathy. Small cell lung cancer rarely metastasizes to pancreatic tissue and presents as acute pancreatitis. Here, we describe a case of metastatic small cell lung carcinoma initially presenting as acute pancreatitis. The patient underwent CT of the abdomen, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, and endoscopic ultrasound with biopsy which confirmed the diagnosis of small cell lung carcinoma. After positron emission tomography staging, the patient was subsequently treated with radiotherapy in tandem with multiple cycles of cisplatin and etoposide with positive treatment response.