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Case Reports
. 2008 Aug 21;14(31):4964-7.
doi: 10.3748/wjg.14.4964.

A case of long survival in poorly differentiated small cell carcinoma of the pancreas

Min Sung Chung  1 , Tae Kyung Ha, Kyeong Geun Lee, Seung Sam Paik
Affiliations
Case Reports

A case of long survival in poorly differentiated small cell carcinoma of the pancreas

Min Sung Chung et al. World J Gastroenterol. .

Abstract

Small cell carcinoma (SCC) of the pancreas is rare. It has similar histological features to pulmonary small cell carcinoma and is equally aggressive. Most patients with SCC in the pancreas reported in case studies died within 1 year after diagnosis. We present a case of unusually long-term survival after surgery and combined chemotherapy for SCC of the pancreas. A 62-year-old woman presented with epigastric pain and jaundice. Computed tomography revealed dilated common bile duct caused by external compression of the mass in the pancreatic head. Exploratory laparotomy and pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) was performed with histopathological analysis confirming a primary small cell carcinoma of the pancreas. After an uneventful postoperative recovery, the patient was treated with 6 cycles of combined chemotherapy consisting of cisplantin and ectoposide. During the follow-up, there was no evidence of recurrence and the patient has remained in a good health condition for 36 mo since the diagnosis.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
A: Abdominal computed tomography in the arterial phase shows poorly demarcated mass compressing CBD (black arrow); B: In delayed phase, mass (white arrows) at the pancreatic head revealed with relatively well delineated margin.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) shows abrupt narrowing of the distal common bile duct and mild dilatation of pancreatic duct.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Gross appearance of the specimen shows a tumor nodule 2 cm in diameter at the head of the pancreas.
Figure 4
Figure 4
A: The tumor consisted of small round or oval cells with hyperchromatic nuclei and scant cytoplasm; B and C: Immunohistochemical staining for CD56 (B) and synaptophysin (C) reveals a positive reaction.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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