Adenosquamous carcinoma of the pancreas

Case contributed by Mohammad Taghi Niknejad
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Chronic abdominal pain and elevated CA19-9.

Patient Data

Age: 60 years
Gender: Female

A large, ill-defined mass with progressive ring enhancement and areas of central necrosis is present in the pancreatic tail. The mass encases the spleen vessels and abuts the adjacent spleen and left adrenal gland. Several dilated collateral vessels are seen around the splenic hilum. Mild surrounding fat stranding is evident.

Several gas-containing stones are seen in the gallbladder.

Pathology report

Photo

Regarding imaging findings and loss of metastasis and criteria for resectability, the patient underwent distal pancreatectomy, splenectomy and simultaneous cholecystectomy. The histopathology evaluation and IHC findings confirmed a well-differentiated adenosquamous carcinoma of the pancreas, a rare pancreatic malignancy.

Case Discussion

On CT images, adenosquamous carcinoma of the pancreas appears as an ill-defined, lobulated hypo or iso-attenuating mass. Most tumors show progressive ring enhancement and central necrosis, differentiating them from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Calcification and hemorrhage are not typical features of these tumors.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.