Assessment and management of undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclastic like giant cells of the pancreas: a case report and revision of literature

• Main Authors: Elisabetta Cavalcanti, Nicolo’ Schena, Grazia Serino, Giulio Lantone, Raffaele Armentano
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2021-06-01
• Series: BMC Gastroenterology
• Subjects: Pancreas; Pancreatic cancer; Undifferentiated pancreatic cancer; Giant cell tumor
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12876-021-01779-5

Abstract Background Undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells (UCOGCs) is a rare and aggressive non endocrine pancreatic carcinoma characterized by the presence of osteoclastic giant cells mixed with mononuclear cell. Very few cases have been reported in the literature and the histogenesis is controversial as, at the time of diagnosis, the tumor is often of advanced size and stage and it is difficult to pathologically observe its relationship with the pancreatic duct. Case presentation We present a case of 65-year-old male patient presenting with abdominal pain, nausea, and weight loss, which was treated with surgical resection. Histological examination revealed an undifferentiated pancreatic carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells. The patient underwent to a routine pylorus preserving pancreatoduodenectomy. Actually, the patient was in good performance status and disease-free five months. Conclusions Based on the present case and limited previous data, further researches preferably with large cohorts are necessary to clarify the pathogenesis of the neoplasm. However, as show in this case, histopathological and immunohistochemically studies are the gold standard for the diagnosis of UCPOGC. Investigation of the genomic alterations in UPOGCs could help to explain the histologic diversity of variant tumor and could provide a genetic basis for prognosis and treatment.