[Pancreatic cancer with acinar cells. Apropos of 1 case with immunocytochemical study]

A case of acinar cell carcinoma of the pancreas in a 65 years old man is presented. The tumor occupies the area between spleen and porta hepatis. This observation is characterized by remarkable elevation of serum alpha foeto protein and C.T. scan and angiographic findings. In spite of complete resection and post operative immunotherapy (monoclonal antibodies) the patient developed with spread metastatic disease and died 6 months after surgery. The distinctive histological and immunocytochemical features of these tumors and the means of differentiating them from anaplastic duct cell carcinoma and islet cell carcinoma an discussed. Review of 26 well documented cases led to determine clinical, biological and pathologic aspects of these tumors. Histogenesis and differentiation with the others non duct type pancreatic tumors are discussed.