Korean J Pathol.  2013 Apr;47(2):93-99.

Acinar Cell Carcinoma of the Pancreas: Clinical and Cytomorphologic Characteristics

• Toll AD
• Hruban RH
• Ali SZ

Abstract

Acinar cell carcinoma is a rare malignant epithelial neoplasm with predominantly exocrine acinar differentiation and is seen primarily in older men (mean age, 62 years). The presenting symptoms are usually non-specific, and jaundice is often not present. Symptoms relating to the overproduction and release of lipase into the circulation are present in 10-15% of patients. Characteristic cytomorphologic features include a population of cells with minimal pleomorphism, eccentrically placed nuclei with a single prominent nucleoli and moderate hyperchromasia. The cytoplasm is finely granular, and the background may contain granular debris secondary to cytolysis. A significant proportion of the cases also have a minor neuroendocrine component or scattered neuroendocrine cells. Approximately 50% of patients have metastatic disease at presentation, often restricted to the regional lymph nodes and liver. The prognosis is poor, only slightly better than that of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Keyword

Carcinoma, acinar cell; Pancreas

MeSH Terms

Acinar Cells
Adenocarcinoma
Carcinoma
Carcinoma, Acinar Cell
Cytoplasm
Humans
Jaundice
Lipase
Liver
Lymph Nodes
Male
Neuroendocrine Cells
Pancreas
Pancreatic Ducts
Prognosis
Lipase