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

Undifferentiated carcinoma of the pancreas with osteoclast-like giant cells, a two cases report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Fine needle aspiration is the standard method for the pathological evaluation of pancreatic masses. In the following context, rare variants of such masses might present a challenge. Our goal is to describe the clinical, cytological, and histological findings of two cases of undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells (UCOCGC) a rare variant of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

CASE PRESENTATION

Two cases were identified. Cytological findings exhibit similarities between the two cases. One patient received multiple chemotherapy regimens and a surgery and recurred within three years of diagnosis, while the other succumbed to cholangitis resulting from hepatic metastases a year after their initial surgery.

DISCUSSION

UCOCGC is a rare variant of pancreatic cancer, characterized by a unique cytological aspect. Recognizing this variant is essential considering its distinct prognosis compared to usual pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

CONCLUSION

We presented two cases of UCOCGC a rare pancreatic cancer variant, exposing diagnostic particularities and clinical evolution.

Undifferentiated carcinoma of the pancreas with osteoclast-like giant cells: a case report

BACKGROUND

Undifferentiated carcinomas of the pancreas with osteoclast-like giant cells (UCPOGC) are rare pancreatic neoplasms that account for less than 1% of all pancreatic malignancies. This case report of a 54-year-old male with metastatic UCPOGC adds to the existing literature and further ascertains the clinical and imaging features, treatment options, and prognosis of this rare entity.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present the detailed clinical course of a 54-year-old Asian male patient with UCPOGC, with focus on the relevant clinical features and imaging findings that are characteristic of this disease entity.

CONCLUSIONS

UCPOGC is an extremely rare pancreatic tumor with a unique histopathology and clinical course. It is often difficult to distinguish UCPOGCs from other pancreatic tumors, such as traditional pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC), on imaging, and it therefore remains a pathological diagnosis. Surgery is generally regarded as the first-line treatment option, and the roles of chemotherapy and radiation are unclear. Due to the exceeding rarity of this tumor, large-scale clinical studies are not feasible. Therefore, it is important to share individual insights and experiences to improve our understanding and care for patients with this devastating disease.

Rare Solid Pancreatic Lesions on Cross-Sectional Imaging

Several solid lesions can be found within the pancreas mainly arising from the exocrine and endocrine pancreatic tissue. Among all pancreatic malignancies, the most common subtype is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), to a point that pancreatic cancer and PDAC are used interchangeably. But, in addition to PDAC, and to the other most common and well-known solid lesions, either related to benign conditions, such as pancreatitis, or not so benign, such as pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (pNENs), there are solid pancreatic lesions considered rare due to their low incidence. These lesions may originate from a cell line with a differentiation other than exocrine/endocrine, such as from the nerve sheath as for pancreatic schwannoma or from mesenchymal cells as for solitary fibrous tumour. These rare solid pancreatic lesions may show a behaviour that ranges in a benign to highly aggressive malignant spectrum. This review includes cases of an intrapancreatic accessory spleen, pancreatic tuberculosis, solid serous cystadenoma, solid pseudopapillary tumour, pancreatic schwannoma, purely intraductal neuroendocrine tumour, pancreatic fibrous solitary tumour, acinar cell carcinoma, undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclastic-like giant cells, adenosquamous carcinoma, colloid carcinoma of the pancreas, primary leiomyosarcoma of the pancreas, primary and secondary pancreatic lymphoma and metastases within the pancreas. Therefore, it is important to determine the correct diagnosis to ensure optimal patient management. Because of their rarity, their existence is less well known and, when depicted, in most cases incidentally, the correct diagnosis remains challenging. However, there are some typical imaging features present on cross-sectional imaging modalities that, taken into account with the clinical and biological context, contribute substantially to achieve the correct diagnosis.

CT Findings of Undifferentiated Pancreatic Cancer With Osteoclast-Like Giant Cells: A Case Series from a Single Center's Experience With 10 Cases

Little is known about the imaging features of undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells of the pancreas (UCOGCP) because of its extremely low incidence. To improve the diagnostic accuracy of this tumor, 10 UCOGCP cases with confirmed histopathology were collected and their clinical and image data features were analyzed. We found that the median age of our study was 61 years (50-76 years in range) and the main clinical manifestations were nonspecific abdominal pain. There were some differences in the degree of enhancement and computed tomography (CT) features between the tumor located at the head and body or tail of the pancreas. Perhaps these subtle imaging findings can provide valuable diagnostic information.

EUS-guided fine needle biopsy is able to provide diagnosis in rare osteoclast-like giant cells undifferentiated carcinoma of the pancreas: Report of two cases

Undifferentiated carcinoma of the pancreas with osteoclast-like giant cells (UC-OGC) is a rare subtype of pancreatic cancer, accounting for less than 1% of all pancreatic tumors. Preoperative diagnosis is cumbersome as cross-sectional imaging is often not capable to distinguish between UCOGC and other pancreatic tumors such as pancreatic adenocarcinoma, mucinous carcinoma or neuroendocrine tumors and specific tumor markers seem to be lacking. Endoscopic ultrasound r `m(EUS) with tissue acquisition via fine-needle aspiration (FNA) or biopsy (FNB) with microscopic HE staining and immunohistochemistry allows for an accurate diagnosis, thus influencing further treatment. We present herein the cases of two patients with osteoclast-like giant cells tumors of the pancreas diagnosed by EUS-guided fine needle biopsy and perform a literature review on the role of EUS-guided biopsy for diagnosis.

Undifferentiated Carcinoma With Osteoclast-Like Giant Cells: A Rare Cause of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Undifferentiated osteoclast-like giant cell carcinomas (UOLGCCs) of the digestive tract are very rare, with only a few cases reported in the literature. An 82-year-old man was referred to the emergency department for melena. Endoscopic examination revealed a hemicircumferential ulcerovegetative lesion, involving the bulbar apex and extending to the second portion of the duodenum; biopsies revealed an UOLGCC. The patient underwent transfusion support therapy, and he was proposed for best supportive care. Duodenal UOLGCC is an extremely rare cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Clinical findings and therapeutic approach represent a challenge in this pathology.

Undifferentiated Carcinoma of Pancreas with Osteoclast-Like Giant Cells: One Center’s Experience of 13 Cases and Characteristic Pre-Operative Images

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Cephalic undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells arising from the main pancreatic duct: case report and literature review

Undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cell (UCOGC) is a ductal carcinoma variant with a recently reported more protracted survival and pathognomonic histology comprising two cell populations: the mononuclear tumoral cells and nontumoral multinucleated giant cells. It usually presents as a large heterogenic tumor with mixed solid-cystic components. The tumor develops from the ductal epithelium but the sequence of epithelial changes is often not identified due to the rapid tumoral growth and associated necrotic changes. We report a case of a 76-year-old patient diagnosed with cephalic UCOGC originating in the epithelium of the main pancreatic duct with endoluminal growth and foci of other ductal neoplasms (high-grade pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) and conventional ductal carcinoma). The particularity of our case consists in the identification of the columnar epithelium conversion, through high-grade PanIN, into UCOGC specific malignant features, in a large size tumor - aspect usually reported in small tumors. Alongside our case we also present a brief literature review of cephalic UCOGC case reports and case series.

Undifferentiated Pancreatic Carcinoma With Osteoclast-Like Giant Cells and Associated Ductal Adenocarcinoma With Focal Signet-Ring Features

Undifferentiated pancreatic carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells (UPC-OGC) is a unique and rare tumor characterized by the presence of highly atypical carcinoma cells and non-neoplastic osteoclast-like giant cells. The histogenesis of this tumor is unclear and data on its prognosis remain controversial. Some data show poor clinical outcomes in affected patients while other more recent studies report a better outcome especially for cases with pure UPC-OGC. There are currently no established reliable management guidelines for UPC-OGC partly because of its rarity and presence of conflicting data in the literature. Hence the need for continued reporting and further research on this neoplasm. We report an incidental finding of UPC-OGC with associated ductal adenocarcinoma and focal signet ring features in an elderly male patient who presented with symptoms of urinary tract infection (UTI).

Osteoclast-like giant cell undifferentiated carcinoma of the pancreas: a case report

The objective was to investigate the diagnosis and related clinical criteria of undifferentiated carcinoma of the pancreas with osteoid giant cells, and to analyze its treatment and prognosis. we report a case of this disease in a A 62 year old male, who had upper left abdominal pain for more than 10 days, had pain that was aggravated 1 day prior to visit. The pancreas showed a mass with volume 10 cm × 8 cm × 6 cm. On cut section, the mass was fish-fleshy like and necrotic with hemorrhage, and had a close relationship to the residual pancreatic tail. Microscopically, tumor was clearly found around osteoclastic giant cells, and tumor cells invaded the colon and spleen. This is a rare pancreatic tumor with no specific clinical manifestation or serologic marker, composed of undifferentiated osteoid giant cells. Rarely, patients may havelymph node metastasis. The diagnosis should rely on imaging data such as CT and MRI combined with immunohistochemistry. The treatment can be surgical resection, but the prognosis is poor.

A Case Report Presenting an Undifferentiated Pancreatic Carcinoma with Osteoclastic-Like Giant Cells with an Unusual Indolent Course

BACKGROUND Undifferentiated pancreatic carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells represents less than 1% of pancreatic cancers. Histogenesis and prognosis are still debated. Three subtypes are defined by the World Health Organization: osteoclastic, pleomorphic, and mixed. The differential diagnosis of a pancreatic tumor with giant cells varies from a benign osteoclastoma to an undifferentiated pancreatic carcinoma with osteoclastic-like cells. The specimen should be carefully examined to rule out conventional pancreatic adenocarcinoma even in the presence of the giant cells. CASE REPORT A 77-year-old male was diagnosed with a pancreatic tail tumor with osteoclastic like cells revealed by a biopsy done by echo-endoscopy; the patient was lost to follow up for 24 months before he was admitted to our institute for severe abdominal pain. A computed tomography showed the same lesion without progression. He was operated on using laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy. Pathology analysis revealed the presence of osteoclast-like giant cells without pleomorphic cells. Mutated KRAS on molecular study confirmed the diagnosis of undifferentiated pancreatic carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells. The patient was in good performance status and disease-free 19 months after surgery without any sign of progression. CONCLUSIONS Undifferentiated pancreatic carcinoma with osteoclast-like cells has a challenging pathology diagnosis. Molecular and immunostaining are essential to diagnosis. The absence of pleomorphic cells in the present case has classified it into the osteoclastic subtype. Further cases and studies are needed to confirm the heterogeneity of the malignant course between subtypes.

An osteoclast-like giant cell tumor embedded in the mural nodule of a pancreatic mucinous cystic neoplasm: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs) are relatively rare lesions, accounting for 2%-5% of all exocrine pancreatic neoplasms. MCNs mainly occur in women (female:male ratio = 20:1), with a peak incidence in the 5th decade of life. Osteoclast-like giant cell tumors (OGCTs) are rare and relatively aggressive neoplasms, comprising <1% of all pancreatic carcinomas. Herein, we present a rare "combination tumor" case and discuss the impact of mural nodules in pancreatic MCNs considering malignant transformation.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 54-year-old Mongolian man, without vomiting, nausea or jaundice, presented with abdominal distention since 3 months. He had a 7-year history of diabetes. Physical examinations indicated slight middle abdominal tenderness without rebound tenderness or rigidity. Laboratory results revealed that the level of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was 1.16 ng/ml (normal: <5 ng/ml); CA-199: 30.02 U/ml (normal: <27 U/ml); hemoglobin: 143 g/L; fasting glucose: 7.71 mmol/L; and albumin: 43 g/L. Abdominal enhanced computed tomography revealed a 7 × 6 cm solid neoplasm in the pancreatic body with partial enhancement and heterogeneity. Endoscopic ultrasound revealed a solid-cystic space-occupying lesion in the pancreatic body.

DIAGNOSIS

The preoperative preliminary diagnosis was pancreatic solid-cystic tumor, possibly a solid pseudopapillary tumor. Postoperative pathological findings revealed a pancreatic borderline MCN with an OGCT embedded in a mural nodule of the capsule. Immunohistochemical results indicated a simultaneous dual origin from the epithelium and stroma.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient underwent open distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy. Postoperative blood glucose levels were closely monitored and regulated. We intravenously administered single-agent gemcitabine (1400 mg on day 1) as the first-time chemotherapy, 1 month after surgery. After the first chemotherapy, the patient refused to receive further treatment owing to personal reasons.

OUTCOMES

The patient showed uneventful recovery and was discharged 13 days after the initial surgery. Follow-up was performed 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery. At 6 months, abdominal computed tomography scan showed no signs of recurrence, regional lymphadenopathy, or other abnormalities. And laboratory tests showed a platelet count of 301 × 10/L, postprandial blood glucose of 12.9 mmol/L and CA-199 level of 20 U/ml. The patient had no obvious discomfort.

LESSONS

Although pancreatic MCNs are widely accepted as borderline tumors, malignant transformations may occur due to various risk factors (cyst size, mural nodules, septations, and tumor location). The combination tumor in this case was more likely to increase the possibility of malignant biological behavior, thereby worsening overall prognosis. Therefore, long-term follow-up must be maintained with strict monitoring.

Undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells of pancreas: A case report with review of the computed tomography findings

RATIONALE

Undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells (UC-OGCs) of the pancreas is an extremely rare and aggressive pancreatic malignancy. To our knowledge, the computed tomography (CT) findings of this disease have rarely been analyzed.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 65-year-old man who experienced weight loss of about 4 kg over 3 months presented to our clinic. The abdominal ultrasound (US) detected a 5.8 × 5.5 cm well-defined, cystic-solid mass in the head of the pancreas, which had been present for 1 month.

DIAGNOSIS

A benign pancreatic tumor was initially suspected on the basis of the US findings. The patient then received serum tumor markers and CT examinations for further diagnosis, including carbohydrate antigen 199 (CA199), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) and CT angiography (CTA). His CA199, CEA, and CA125 marker levels were normal, which supported the diagnosis of a benign tumor. CECT showed a well-defined cystic-solid mass in the head of the pancreas, with a slightly enhanced solid portion and pancreatic ductal dilatation, which led us to consider the possibility of a malignant tumor. CTA revealed that the tumor nourishing arteries emitted from the pancreaticoduodenal superior and inferior arteries into the mass. Then, the patient underwent a pancreaticoduodenectomy. Finally, postoperative pathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed UC-OGC of the pancreas.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient has been treated by a pancreaticoduodenectomy alone.

OUTCOMES

The operation had no complications, and the patient recovered well after surgery. Ten months after surgery, the patient reviewed the CECT, and no recurrence or metastasis was noted.

LESSONS

Old patients with cystic-solid lesions in the pancreas should be aware of UC-OGC. CT findings usually show a clear boundary and a slightly enhanced mass with pancreatic duct expansion.