Elisabetta Cavalcanti1, Nicolo' Schena2, Grazia Serino3, Giulio Lantone4, Raffaele Armentano2. 1. Histopathology Unit of National Institute of Gastroenterology "S. de Bellis," Research Hospital, Via Turi 27, 70013, Castellana Grotte, Bari, Italy. elisabetta.cavalcanti@irccsdebellis.it. 2. Histopathology Unit of National Institute of Gastroenterology "S. de Bellis," Research Hospital, Via Turi 27, 70013, Castellana Grotte, Bari, Italy. 3. Laboratory of Experimental Immunopathology, National Institute of Gastroenterology "S. de Bellis," Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, Bari, Italy. 4. Surgery Unit of National Institute of Gastroenterology "S. de Bellis," Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, Bari, Italy.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells (UCOGCs) is a rare and aggressive non endocrine pancreatic carcinoma characterized by the presence of osteoclastic giant cells mixed with mononuclear cell. Very few cases have been reported in the literature and the histogenesis is controversial as, at the time of diagnosis, the tumor is often of advanced size and stage and it is difficult to pathologically observe its relationship with the pancreatic duct. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of 65-year-old male patient presenting with abdominal pain, nausea, and weight loss, which was treated with surgical resection. Histological examination revealed an undifferentiated pancreatic carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells. The patient underwent to a routine pylorus preserving pancreatoduodenectomy. Actually, the patient was in good performance status and disease-free five months. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the present case and limited previous data, further researches preferably with large cohorts are necessary to clarify the pathogenesis of the neoplasm. However, as show in this case, histopathological and immunohistochemically studies are the gold standard for the diagnosis of UCPOGC. Investigation of the genomic alterations in UPOGCs could help to explain the histologic diversity of variant tumor and could provide a genetic basis for prognosis and treatment.
BACKGROUND:Undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells (UCOGCs) is a rare and aggressive non endocrine pancreatic carcinoma characterized by the presence of osteoclastic giant cells mixed with mononuclear cell. Very few cases have been reported in the literature and the histogenesis is controversial as, at the time of diagnosis, the tumor is often of advanced size and stage and it is difficult to pathologically observe its relationship with the pancreatic duct. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of 65-year-old male patient presenting with abdominal pain, nausea, and weight loss, which was treated with surgical resection. Histological examination revealed an undifferentiated pancreatic carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells. The patient underwent to a routine pylorus preserving pancreatoduodenectomy. Actually, the patient was in good performance status and disease-free five months. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the present case and limited previous data, further researches preferably with large cohorts are necessary to clarify the pathogenesis of the neoplasm. However, as show in this case, histopathological and immunohistochemically studies are the gold standard for the diagnosis of UCPOGC. Investigation of the genomic alterations in UPOGCs could help to explain the histologic diversity of variant tumor and could provide a genetic basis for prognosis and treatment.
Entities:
Keywords:
Giant cell tumor; Pancreas; Pancreatic cancer; Undifferentiated pancreatic cancer
Authors: Young Hoe Hur; Ho Hyun Kim; Jin Shick Seoung; Kyoung Won Seo; Jin Woong Kim; Yong Yeon Jeong; Jae Hyuk Lee; Yang Seok Koh; Jung Chul Kim; Hyun Jong Kim; Chol Kyoon Cho Journal: J Korean Surg Soc Date: 2011-08-03
Authors: Marosh Manduch; David F Dexter; Diederick W Jalink; Stephen J Vanner; David J Hurlbut Journal: Pathol Res Pract Date: 2009-01-15 Impact factor: 3.250