Primary small cell carcinoma of the pancreas with an unusual sonographic appearance.
We present a case of primary pancreatic small cell carcinoma with an unusual sonographic feature. A 75-year-old woman presented with poor appetite and weight loss. Abdominal sonographic examination revealed a diffusely enlarged pancreas with relative increased echogenicity and smooth contour. CT also confirmed the diffuse infiltrative pattern of the tumor. The diagnosis was confirmed via sonographically guided biopsy. The tumor was composed of small cells with hyperchromatic nuclei and scanty cytoplasm infiltrating the pancreatic tissue, consistent with small cell carcinoma of the pancreas. Primary pancreatic small cell carcinoma rarely presents as the diffuse infiltrating type. These unusual sonographic features must be differentiated from other pancreatic tumors presenting as diffuse pancreatic enlargement.
Wang
Ruei-Fang
RF
Department of Emergency Medicine, Shin-Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, and School of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, no. 95, Wunchang Rd., Shihlin District, Taipei City 111, Taiwan, ROC.
Chou
Yi-Hong
YH
Hwang
Jen-I
JI
Tiu
Chui-Mei
CM
Chiou
Hong-Jen
HJ
Chen
Siew-Peng
SP
Chiang
Jen-Huey
JH
Tsay
Shy-Haw
SH
Cheng-Yen Chang
D000368:Aged; D018288:Carcinoma, Small Cell / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014463:Ultrasonography