Undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells of the pancreas and periampullary region

Abstract

The association of these tumors with conventional adenocarcinoma or mucinous cystic neoplasms, the histologic features, and the immunohistochemical profile supports an epithelial phenotype for the mononuclear cells and a reactive histiocytic lineage for the nonneoplastic osteoclast-like giant cells. These neoplasms, which are better classified as undifferentiated carcinomas, follow an aggressive clinical course; most patients die of disease within 1 year.