Pancreatic giant cell carcinoma of the osteoclastic type: response to 5-fluorouracil and radiation.

A case of pancreatic giant cell carcinoma of the osteoclastic type is presented. The findings of endoscopic retrograde cholangiography, angiography, computerized tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging scans are described for the first time for this rare neoplasm, showing a large, nonresectable pancreatic tumor. The patient's clinical course is followed during treatment with 5-fluorouracil and radiation therapy, documenting response by computerized tomography scan. The cases reported in the literature are reviewed and surgical and medical treatments are discussed. A combination of 5-fluorouracil and radiation therapy is the first medical treatment with a documented response.