Pancreatic tumors with combined exocrine and endocrine features

Abstract

Pancreatic tumors with combined exocrine and endocrine features are rare. Most of the reported cases are classified as mixed exocrine and endocrine carcinoma of the pancreas. We retrospectively reviewed three cases of pancreatic tumors with combined exocrine and endocrine features that underwent surgical resection. Two cases had multiple concomitant tumors that contained isolated exocrine and endocrine characteristics simultaneously, and one case had mixed tumors. In the multiple concomitant cases, EUS images showed neuroendocrine tumors as well-defined, round, regular, low echoic masses and enhanced CT showed late enhancement in the ductal cell carcinoma. In the mixed tumor case, EUS images showed an irregular low echoic mass with high echoic parts and enhanced CT showed enhanced parts in early phase. It is important to keep in mind that there may be multiple lesions present in cases of pancreas tumors, and should therefore perform exams accordingly.