Autoimmune pancreatitis(AIP) is a special form of chronic pancreatitis.Although many clinical guidelines for AIP have been carried out,but clinically differentiating AIP from pancreatic cancer remains difficult.Based on some guidelines for AIP and latest relevant literature,this article summarizes the key points in differentiating AIP from pancreatic cancer in the aspects of clinical symptoms,serological changes,radiological changes,and steroid response.By analyzing the above key points,the accurate diagnosis of pancreatic tumor can be realized,and some patients with AIP will avoid unnecessary laparotomy.