Surgical and molecular pathology of pancreatic neoplasms.
BACKGROUND
Histologic characteristics have proven to be very useful for classifying different types of tumors of the pancreas. As a result, the major tumor types in the pancreas have long been classified based on their microscopic appearance.


METHODS
Recent advances in whole exome sequencing, gene expression profiling, and knowledge of tumorigenic pathways have deepened our understanding of the underlying biology of pancreatic neoplasia. These advances have not only confirmed the traditional histologic classification system, but also opened new doors to early diagnosis and targeted treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
This review discusses the histopathology, genetic and epigenetic alterations and potential treatment targets of the five major malignant pancreatic tumors - pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, solid-pseudopapillary neoplasm, acinar cell carcinoma and pancreatoblastoma.
Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Wenzel M
WM
Hackeng
Department of Pathology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Ralph H
RH
Hruban
Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
G Johan A
GJ
Offerhaus
Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands. l.a.a.brosens@umcutrecht.nl.
Lodewijk A A
LA
Brosens
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000235:genetics; D018267:Carcinoma, Acinar Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000601:surgery; D021441:Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000601:surgery; D015785:Eye Diseases, Hereditary / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D018358:Neuroendocrine Tumors / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000601:surgery; D009901:Optic Nerve Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000601:surgery; D010179:Pancreas / Q000473:pathology; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000601:surgery
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor
Acinar cell carcinoma; Genetics; Histology; Methylation; Pancreas; Pancreatic cancer; Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor; Sequencing; Solid-pseudopapillary neoplasm; microRNA