Abstract
Background and Objective: Exocrine pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant neoplasm with ductal adenocarcinoma being the most frequent type. The objective of this study is to understand the morphological spectrum of exocrine pancreatic tumors with their clinical aspect. Methods: This is a retrospective histopathological evaluation of 15 cases from 2006-2011 of exocrine pancreatic tumoursstudied light microscopically on Hematoxylin and Eosin stained paraffin sections and categorized according to the WHO Histological Classification of Tumors of Exocrine Pancreas (2000). Results: Periampullary adenocarcinoma formed the majority of malignant tumors accounting for 7 cases with age ranging from 45 to 88 years with male predominance followed by 5 cases of ductal adenocarcinomas,all found in females, age ranging from 45 to 67 years.There was one case each of Pancreatoblastoma (1year old boy), solid pseudopapillaryneoplasm of uncertain malignant potential (16 year old girl)and mucinous cystadenoma in the body and tail (32 year old lady). Conclusion: Malignant tumors were more common than benign tumors (93 %). Periampullary adenocarcinomas constituted the majority (47 %) with male predominance. Ductal adenocarcinomas were all found in females and the common site was head of the pancreas (80 %).Pancreatoblastoma, mucinous cystadenoma and solid pseudopapillary neoplasms are not uncommon. Body and tail of pancreas was the least common site of tumors (13 %). All periampullary and ductal adenocarcinomas were found in patients above 45 years of age.
Highlights
The pancreas is a glandular organ of dual composition with both exocrine and endocrine components.[1, 2] Tumors of exocrine pancreases are rare with more than 95% being malignant.[3]
Ampullary carcinoma is the term employed for any malignant epithelial tumour centered in the ampulla of vater and it should be distinguished from carcinomas of head of pancreas, terminal third of common bile duct and other portions of the second part of duodenum with secondary involvement of ampulla
Of the total 15 cases of pancreatic tumors received in the study period, 13 cases (86.6%) were malignant with a single benign (6.7%) and a single borderline case (6.7%)
Summary
The pancreas is a glandular organ of dual composition with both exocrine and endocrine components.[1, 2] Tumors of exocrine pancreases are rare with more than 95% being malignant.[3]. The majority of exocrine pancreatic cancers are adenocarcinomas, commonly involving the head and body of the pancreas.[9] Ampullary carcinoma is the term employed for any malignant epithelial tumour centered in the ampulla of vater and it should be distinguished from carcinomas of head of pancreas, terminal third of common bile duct and other portions of the second part of duodenum with secondary involvement of ampulla. Such a distinction may not be possible in advanced cases which is the case in pancreatic tumors most of the time. The purpose of the study is to study exocrine pancreatic tumors clinico-pathologically to know the various types, grades and clinical manifestations
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