Current RMA Instruments
| Reasonable Hypothesis | 103 of 2021 |
| Balance of Probabilities | 104 of 2013 |
Changes from previous Instruments
ICD Coding
- ICD-9-CM Codes: 157.0-3, 157.8
- ICD-10-AM Codes: C25.0, C25.1, C25.2, C25.3, C25.7 or C25.8.
Brief description
This is a primary malignant neoplasm of the exocrine pancreas. The SOP does not cover benign neoplasms or secondary neoplasms arising from other sources.
The pancreas is composed of: exocrine glands which supply enzymes to the gastrointestinal tract via the pancreatic ducts; and, islands (islets) of endocrine tissue scattered through the pancreas, which secrete hormones (insulin, glucagon, somatostatin) into the blood stream. This SOP only applies to a cancer of the exocrine tissue and not the endocrine tissue.
Confirming the diagnosis
This diagnosis requires histological confirmation from a biopsy or surgical resection of pancreatic tissue. A range of other tests and imaging may be performed.
The relevant medical specialist is a gastroenterologist, general surgeon or oncologist.
Additional diagnoses covered by SOP
- Adenocarcinoma of the pancreas
- Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas
- Pancreatoblastoma
Conditions not covered by SOP
- Adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of vater* - malignant neoplasm of the bile duct SOP
- Carcinoid of the pancreas#
- Endocrine tumours of the pancreas#
- gastrinoma#
- glucagonoma#
- insulinoma#
- islet cell tumour#
- VIPoma#
- Hodgkin’s lymphoma of the pancreas*
- medullary carcinoma of the pancreas#
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the pancreas*
- Soft tissue sarcoma of the pancreas*
* another SOP applies
# non-SOP condition
Clinical onset
The condition most commonly presents clinically, with symptoms of pain (abdominal or epigastric), jaundice, and weight loss. A range of other non-specific symptoms may also occur. Pain is usually of insidious onset and has been present for some time at the time of first presentation. The condition is occassionally first uncovered as an incidental finding on CT or MRI scan.
Clinical worsening
The only SOP worsening factor is for inability to obtain appropriate clinical management. The condition often presents late and has a poor prognosis. Surgical resection is not possible in most cases.