Primary leiomyosarcoma of the pancreas: a case report and review of literature

Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2001 Jan;125(1):152-5. doi: 10.5858/2001-125-0152-PLOTP.

Abstract

Primary leiomyosarcoma of the pancreas is a rare tumor for which only 21 reports appear in the world literature. We describe an additional case of pancreatic leiomyosarcoma in a 76-year-old man, who complained of persistent high fever. Histologic examination revealed a pleomorphic spindle cell tumor. Reactivity for muscle-specific actin, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and basement membrane components, along with negative staining for epithelial and neural markers, were consistent with a smooth muscle sarcoma. The patient died of disease 1 year after complete surgical excision. This report highlights the need to use a complete antibody panel in order to accurately immunophenotype pleomorphic malignant tumors of the pancreas. A review of the cases compiled in the literature indicates that pancreatic leiomyosarcoma, like its counterpart arising in deep soft tissues, is an aggressive neoplasm characterized by short survival and a high rate of metastases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Actins / metabolism
  • Aged
  • Collagen / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Laminin / metabolism
  • Leiomyosarcoma / metabolism
  • Leiomyosarcoma / pathology*
  • Male
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / pathology*

Substances

  • Actins
  • Laminin
  • Collagen