Observation
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World J Gastrointest Endosc. Jan 16, 2010; 2(1): 15-19
Published online Jan 16, 2010. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v2.i1.15
Osteoclastic and pleomorphic giant cell tumors of the pancreas: A review of clinical, endoscopic, and pathologic features
Jill C Moore, Joel S Bentz, Kristen Hilden, Douglas G Adler
Jill C Moore, Kristen Hilden, Douglas G Adler, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, United States
Joel S Bentz, Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, United States
Author contributions: Moore JC, Adler DG, Hilden K Writing and approving manuscript; Bentz JS, review and approval of pathology content.
Correspondence to: Douglas G Adler, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Therapeutic Endoscopy, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Huntsman Cancer Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, United States. douglas.adler@hsc.utah.edu
Telephone: +1-801-5815036 Fax: +1-801-5818007
Received: June 8, 2009
Revised: November 30, 2009
Accepted: December 7, 2009
Published online: January 16, 2010
Abstract

Giant cell tumors of the pancreas come in three varieties-osteoclastic, pleomorphic, and mixed histology. These tumors have distinctive endoscopic, clinical, and cytological features. Giant cell tumors have a controversial histogenesis, with some authors favoring an epithelial origin and others favoring a mesenchymal origin. The true origin of these lesions remains unclear at this time. These are also very rare tumors but proper identification and differentiation from more common pancreatic adenocarcinoma is important. The risk factors of these tumors and the prognosis may be different from those associated with standard pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Recognition of these differences can significantly affect patient care. These lesions have a unique appearance when imaged with endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), and these lesions can be diagnosed via EUS guided Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA). This manuscript will review the endoscopic, clinical, and pathologic features of these tumors.

Keywords: Osteoclastic; Pleomorphic; Giant cell tumor; Pancreas; Endoscopic; Pathologic; Clinical; Feature