Histopathologic assessment of pancreatic cancer: does one size fit all?

J Surg Oncol. 2013 Jan;107(1):67-77. doi: 10.1002/jso.23194. Epub 2012 Jun 18.

Abstract

Most solid pancreatic tumors are invasive ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Because PDAC is the most common tumor, it has become synonymous with the term "Pancreas Cancer." However, other malignant neoplasms occur in the pancreas (acinar, neuroendocrine and colloid carcinomas, and metastases) all with different outcomes. Because these tumors are often combined with PDAC in research databases, it causes misleading variability in the analysis of pancreatic cancers. We examine the histopathology of a variety of pancreatic cancers.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma in Situ / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Acinar Cell / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal / pathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms, Cystic, Mucinous, and Serous / pathology
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / pathology
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / classification
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / pathology*