Published online Jul 6, 2024. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i19.4022
Revised: April 30, 2024
Accepted: May 22, 2024
Published online: July 6, 2024
Processing time: 106 Days and 21.5 Hours
Indeterminate dendritic cell tumor (IDCT) is a rare tumor of immune cells, and IDCT patients without skin lesions are rarely reported. Therefore, the clinical course in this type of patient is unclear, and further research on the underlying pathological mechanisms and appropriate treatments is needed.
This study describes a female IDCT patient with bile duct lesions. The strong mimicry of IDCT lesions confused doctors, and consequently, this patient, who had no skin lesions, was first diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma. Then, she presented with persistent abdominal distension without jaundice. Enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes along with massive ascites were observed in the sub
For IDCT patients without skin lesions, early biopsy is the key to obtaining a correct diagnosis. Moreover, the collective management of IDCT patients is important. Further histological and molecular biology studies based on human specimens are critical for understanding the pathological mechanism of dendritic cell tumors in the future.
Core Tip: The clinical course in indeterminate dendritic cell tumor (IDCT) patients without skin lesions was about 2 years. The strong mimicry of IDCT lesions confused doctors, and consequently, this patient, who had no skin lesions, was first diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma. No tumor cells or pathogens were found in the three subsequent ascites analyses. The correct diagnosis was eventually obtained by performing surgery for biopsy of the patient’s abdominal lymph nodes. IDCT is fairly rare, and the surgery for biopsy is important for the IDCT. Therefore, the collective management of IDCT patients in a hospital specializing in rare diseases is interesting and cost-effective.