Ectopic pancreas
| Ectopic pancreas | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Heterotopic pancreas, Accessory pancreas, Aberrant pancreas, Pancreatic rest, Myoepithelial hamartoma |
| Stomach biopsy with pancreatic heterotopia in the submucosa. H&E Stain. | |
| Specialty | Gastroenterology |
| Symptoms | Often asymptomatic, may cause abdominal pain and distension |
| Diagnostic method | Biopsy, histologic evaluation |
| Differential diagnosis | Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) |
| Treatment | Surgery if symptomatic |
| Medication | None |
| Frequency | Uncommon |
An ectopic pancreas is an anatomical abnormality in which pancreatic tissue has grown outside its normal location (ectopia) and without vascular or other anatomical connections to the pancreas. It is a disease which is congenital and is also known as heterotopic, accessory, or aberrant pancreas.