The incidence of the mass-forming chronic pancreatitis of the pancreatic head has increased with the increasing prevalence of chronic pancreatitis over the years. In clinical practice, the differential diagnosis between this type of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer is often difficult. However, the treatment strategies and outcomes of the two are completely different. Thus, increasing attention has been paid to this condition by clinical staff. The authors, in this article, address the diagnosis and surgical treatment of mass-forming chronic pancreatitis of the pancreatic head, so as to provide some reference in clinical practice.