Undifferentiated Pancreatic Carcinoma with Osteoclast-Like Giant Cells: a Case Report

Abstract

Undifferentiated pancreatic carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells (UPC-OGCs) is a rare neoplasm with frequency of 0.2 % of reported pancreatic carcinomas [1]. Tumors with osteoclast-like giant cells have rarely been reported in a variety of extra-skeletal sites. On the alimentary tract, the pancreas is the most concerned [2, 3]. A number of terms have been used to describe variants of undifferentiated pancreatic carcinoma, especially pleomorphic carcinoma, pleomorphic giant cell carcinoma, sarcomatoid carcinoma, spindle cell carcinoma, anaplastic carcinoma, undifferentiated carcinoma, and osteoclastic or pleomorphic giant cell tumors [4]. Histologically, the tumor combines two main cell populations, a malignant mononuclear cells population and the scattered nonneoplastic osteoclast-like giant cells [3, 5]. Since the first description by Rosai in 1968 [6], there have been only a few cases reported in the world literature. Our aim is to describe a new case of undifferentiated carcinoma of the pancreas with osteoclast-like giant cells which was early diagnosed, with a review of literature.