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Ductal Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreas
Laura Bortesi1, Anna Pesci1, Giuseppe Bogina1
1Department of Pathology, Ospedale Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, Via don Sempreboni 5, 37024 Negrar, Verona, Italy.
Abstract:
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and its variants comprise between 80% and 90% of all tumors of the exocrine pancreas. Because of its silent course, late clinical manifestation, and rapid growth, it is considered a silent killer. Only 10% to 15% of cases are resectable and the 5-year survival rate remains lower than 5%. The differential diagnosis between PDAC and chronic pancreatitis is a challenge for pathologists. This article provides a guide for pathologic evaluation of PDAC specimens with the macroscopic and microscopic features of common PDAC and its variants and discusses the differential diagnosis and morphologic and immunophenotypical prognostic parameters.
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