Undifferentiated carcinoma of the pancreas with osteoclast-like giant cells reported in an asymptomatic patient: a rare case and literature review

Autops Case Rep. 2017 Dec 8;7(4):51-57. doi: 10.4322/acr.2017.042. eCollection 2017 Oct-Dec.

Abstract

Undifferentiated carcinoma of the pancreas with osteoclast-like giant cells (UC-OGC) is a rare and poorly described pancreatic malignancy. It is comprised of mononuclear, pleomorphic, and undifferentiated cells as well as osteoclast-like giant cells (OGC's). It constitutes less than 1% of pancreatic non-endocrine neoplasia and is twice as likely to occur in females as in males. Its histopathologic properties remain poorly understood. It is suspected that UC-OGC is of epithelial origin that can then transition to mesenchymal elements. As part of this study, we describe a case of a malignant pancreatic neoplasm that was discovered in a 69-year old patient as an incidental finding. We also provide an overview of previously published data to highlight UC-OGC's clinical and pathologic features.

Keywords: Adenocarcinoma; Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal; Osteoclasts; Pancreatic Neoplasms.

Publication types

  • Case Reports