Abstract
A 37-year-old woman was seen at the hospital because of epigastric pain. A sharply demarcated tumor 4cm in the maximum diameter involving cystic components in it was present at the pancreas head. The CA19-9 level was high, 135U/ml. A cystic tumor of the pancreas was suggested and total pyrolus preserving pancreatoduodenectomy was performed. Hemorrhage and necrosis were demonstrated on the inside of the tumor and osteoclastic polynuclear giant cells were identified. Thus giant cell type anaplastic ductal carcinoma of the pancreas was diagnosed. The patient has been free from any recurrence, as of 3 years after the operation.
Giant cell type anaplastic ductal carcinoma of the pancreas is relatively uncommon and only 34 cases have been reported in Japan. This case is presented here, together with a review of documented cases in this country so far.
