Pancreatic carcinoma in childhood. Report of an autopsy case and a review of the literature.

Abstract

Clinical and histological findings of pancreatic carcinoma in a 6-year-old boy are reported. Gradual change of histological appearance of the tumor during his course of 3 years and elevation of serum alpha-1-fetoprotein (AFP) are documented. Two biopsy specimens showed immature histological appearance compatible with pancreatoblastoma, and autopsy material showed well-differentiated adenocarcinoma with distinct ductal and acinar differentiation. Electron microscopy demonstrated zymogen-like granules in the apical portion of the neoplastic cells. Immunoperoxidase method demonstrated AFP in the neoplastic cells in addition to alpha-1-antitrypsin. Literature of pancreatic tumor in the young was reviewed, and characteristics of this case were discussed.

• Authors: Y Ohaki, K Misugi, Y Sasaki, M Okudaira
• Journal: Acta pathologica japonica (Acta Pathol Jpn) Vol. 35 Issue 6 Pg. 1543-54 (Nov 1985) ISSN: 0001-6632 [Print] Australia
• PMID: 2418627 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Neoplasm Proteins
• alpha 1-Antitrypsin
• alpha-Fetoproteins

Topics

• Adenocarcinoma (analysis, pathology, secondary)
• Child
• Cytoplasmic Granules (analysis)
• Humans
• Immunoenzyme Techniques
• Liver Neoplasms (analysis, secondary)
• Male
• Neoplasm Proteins (analysis)
• Pancreatic Neoplasms (analysis, pathology)
• alpha 1-Antitrypsin (analysis)
• alpha-Fetoproteins (analysis)