Multiple atypical acinar cell nodules of the pancreas

Although acinar cell nodules of the pancreas have been described in rats given carcinogenic chemicals, similar nodules have not been reported in humans. This report describes two cases of nodular acinar cell lesions in the pancreas in patients who died of insulin secreting islet cell adenoma and of bronchogenic carcinoma. The lesions consisted of multiple nodules that were well demarcated from the surrounding acinar tissue and were composed of zymogen granule containing acinar cells with a pale to pink cytoplasm. The significance of these atypical acinar cell nodules in regard to their being possible precursor lesions of acinar cell carcinoma of the pancreas is discussed.