CLINOPATHOLOGICAL STUDIES ON 4 CASE OF MUCIN PRODUCING ADENOCARCINOMA OF THE PANCREAS

Abstract

Clinicopathological studies on 4 cases of mucin-producing adenocarcinoma (including mucionus adenocarcinoma) of the pancreas have revealed some characteristic features, reflecting their pathological characteristics producing abundant amount of mucin. Those lesions were discernible as hyperechoic tumors with irregular margin and small hypoechoic spots by ultrasonogram, and as masses of heterogenous density with ill-defined margin by CT. Tumor stain by angiography was characteristic for this type of pancreatic cancer. Those lesions involving the main pancreatic duct showed the typical findings compatible with the type III of ERCP classification of pancreatic cancer (by Cancer Institute): dilated pancreatic duct with mucin plug resulting in widened orifice of the duodenal papilla. Inspite of their fairly large size at the time of operation, this type of pancreatic cancer may have more favorable prognosis than the ordinary pancreatic cancer.