Undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells: A pathologic-radiologic correlation of a rare histologic subtype of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Abstract

Undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells (UC-OGC) is an exceedingly rare subtype of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Histologically, UC-OGC is characterized by three cell types namely, a neoplastic mononuclear cell component, non-neoplastic osteoclast-like giant cells, and a non-neoplastic mononuclear histiocytic component. The behavior of this tumor is unpredictable; but many patients survive many years after diagnosis. UC-OGC may have a better prognosis compared to conventional pancreatic adenocarcinoma due to its slower local spread, less aggressive nature, better response to surgical resection and/or chemotherapy, and fewer metastases. Due to likely differences in prognosis and significant impact on patient management, it is important to distinguish this subtype from other types of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. We report a case of a small (<1 cm) undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells of the posterior pancreatic body discovered incidentally on magnetic resonance image (MRI) scan of a middle-aged man. The radiologic and pathologic findings are presented along with a discussion of the differential diagnosis of this exceedingly rare entity.

Keywords: Pancreas; Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma; Undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells.