Carcinoma of Exocrine Pancreas A mortal enigma

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.