[Osteoclastic giant cell tumour of the pancreas]

Osteoclast giant cell tumours are bone tumours that occur in adults, and that are considered benign by WHO but locally aggressive. Strictly identical tumours are described in the pancreas, without simultaneous bone localization. We report the case of a 62-year woman with an osteoclast giant cell tumour of the distal pancreas, without any epithelial component, which was diagnosed after pancreatic resection and with no signs of recurrence after a 24-month follow-up. These pancreatic tumours are rare, with a very poor prognosis, an unclear histogenesis; they are often confused with pleomorphic or undifferentiated pancreatic carcinomas including a component of osteoclast giant cell. These osteoclast giant cell tumours of the pancreas usually present as large cystic tumours. In certain cases, complete resection can result in long-term survival.