Pigs in a blanket: an unusual presentation of malignant ascites in prostatic adenocarcinoma

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pathology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Malignant ascites is uncommon in prostatic acinar adenocarcinoma.
• Prostate cancer metastasis can present with diverse clinical manifestations.

Observation:

• An 84-year-old male presented with malignant ascites.
• The ascites fluid contained metastatic prostatic adenocarcinoma cells.
• Immunohistochemistry revealed hepatoid differentiation in the tumor cells.

Findings:

• The study identified a rare case of malignant ascites secondary to metastatic prostatic adenocarcinoma.
• A distinctive cytological feature was observed: tumor cell clusters enveloped by benign mesothelial cells.
• Hepatoid differentiation was confirmed via immunohistochemistry, adding a unique characteristic to this rare presentation.

Implications:

• This case expands the understanding of rare presentations of advanced prostate cancer.
• The unique cytological finding may assist in the diagnosis of metastatic adenocarcinoma in effusions.
• Recognizing hepatoid differentiation in prostatic adenocarcinoma is crucial for accurate pathological diagnosis.