Abdominal Inflammatory Lesions Mimicking Malignancy: Imaging Pitfalls and Clues

Abstract

Abdominal inflammatory lesions may closely mimic malignancies on imaging, leading to diagnostic uncertainty and potentially unnecessary interventions. This pictorial review presents a series of cases involving diverse inflammatory conditions—including autoimmune pancreatitis, xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis, diverticulitis, peritoneal tuberculosis, and others—that radiologically resembled neoplastic processes. Key imaging findings, such as mass-forming patterns, enhancement characteristics, and diffusion restriction, are discussed alongside clinical and laboratory correlations. Recognizing these mimickers is essential, as accurate diagnosis often depends on a multidisciplinary approach that integrates imaging expertise with clinical context, ultimately improving patient care and avoiding misdiagnosis.