Pancreatic disease is typically located in which quadrant?

Pancreatic disease is typically located in which quadrant?

• A. RUQ
• B. RLQ
• C. LUQ
• D. LLQ

Answer: (C)

Where the pancreas sits in the abdomen determines where disease shows up. The pancreas is a retroperitoneal organ tucked behind the stomach, and most of it lies in the left upper quadrant, with the tail extending toward the spleen. Because of that location, pancreatic problems—such as inflammation, tumors, or other disease—are typically found in the left upper quadrant on exam or imaging. The head of the pancreas is nearer to the duodenum and can be closer to the midline or even the right, but the bulk of the organ is on the left, which is why the left upper quadrant is the usual location for pancreatic disease.

Where the pancreas sits in the abdomen determines where disease shows up. The pancreas is a retroperitoneal organ tucked behind the stomach, and most of it lies in the left upper quadrant, with the tail extending toward the spleen. Because of that location, pancreatic problems—such as inflammation, tumors, or other disease—are typically found in the left upper quadrant on exam or imaging. The head of the pancreas is nearer to the duodenum and can be closer to the midline or even the right, but the bulk of the organ is on the left, which is why the left upper quadrant is the usual location for pancreatic disease.