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Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Staining Protocols for Human Pancreatic Islets
Published on: May 23, 2012
[Insulinomas in children. Histologic and ultrastructural study. (apropos of 2 cases)]
Insights
This study details two pediatric cases of rare insulin-secreting pancreatic tumors, highlighting unique features compared to adult insulinomas. Histopathology revealed distinct pancreatic junction areas and exocrine elements within the tumors.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Surgical Pathology
- Tumor Histogenesis
Background:
- Insulin-secreting tumors of the pancreas (insulinomas) are rare in children.
- Pediatric insulinomas exhibit peculiar characteristics distinct from adult counterparts.
- Understanding the origin of these tumors is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Abstract:
The authors report two case-histories of insulin-secreting tumors of the pancreas in children. They emphasize the rare occurence and the percularity of these tumors with regard to insulinomas in adults. The ultrastructural and histopathological examination showed: --the presence of a "junction area" rich in centro-acinar cells between the pancreas and the tumor, --within the tumor, the existence of exocrine elements i.e. acinar cells and more or less differentiated canalar structures. On behalf of these findings the authors discuss the problem of the histogenesis of these tumors. Is it a matter of endocrine adenomatous hyperplasia of centro-acinar origin, or of real "apudoma"?
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