Periampullary carcinoma with special reference to their mucin characteristics--a pathologic study of 53 cases

Histological features and mucin characteristics of 53 cases of periampullary carcinoma, a rare group of epithelial tumors is presented. The cases comprised of 17 resected specimens and 36 endoscopic biopsies. Jaundice was the commonest symptom. The mean tumor size was 2 cms diameter (1-6 cms). Forty cases were characterised as well differentiated adenocarcinoma, 5 as moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma, 5 as mucin secreting adenocarcinoma, 3 as papillary adenocarcinoma and 1 as undifferentiated carcinoma. Desmoplasia and insignificant mitosis were amongst the commonly encountered histological features. Forty four cases (83%) stained positive for mucin (PAS-AB) with a majority of them (66%) predominantly showing acidic mucin. The likely prognostic implication of this feature is discussed.