An Unusual Image of Acinar Cell Carcinoma of Pancreas: Report of a Case

Abstract

Acinar cell carcinomas (ACCs) are uncommon tumors of the exocrine pancreas, constituting 1% to 2% of all pancreatic neoplasms. They are more common during the 5th through the 7th decades of life. ACCs are defined as carcinomas exhibiting pancreatic enzyme production by neoplastic cells. These tumors have highly characteristic histological features reflecting their acinar derivation. Typically they present as a sizable pancreatic mass with a well-defined enhancing capsule and internal calcification on the image of computed tomography. We report an ACC of pancreas in a 79-year-old female who presented with a 3-cm gastric submucosal mass and a history of anemia initially. The external compression from pancreas exhibited typical acinar morphology. The thickness of peritoneal membrane showed ”omental cake” appearance. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated strong positive reactivity for cytokeratin, polyclonal CEA and antitrypsin. A complete workup identified a primary pancreatic tumor.