Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma and Its Variants

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer represents the seventh leading cause of cancer death in the world, responsible for more than 300,000 deaths per year. The most common tumor type among pancreatic cancers is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, an infiltrating neoplasm with glandular differentiation that is derived from pancreatic ductal tree. Here we present and discuss the most important macroscopic, microscopic, and immunohistochemical characteristics of this tumor, highlighting its key diagnostic features. Furthermore, we present the classic features of the most common variants of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Last, we summarize the prognostic landscape of this highly malignant tumor and its variants.

Keywords: Adenosquamous; Colloid; Ductal; Osteoclast; PDAC; Pancreatic cancer; Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.