Pancreatic cystadenocarcinoma associated with strongyloides

A 60-year-old woman presented with a mass in the left upper abdominal quadrant. Noninvasive studies showed a cystic structure arising from the pancreas. Pathologic studies of the tumor revealed pancreatic cystadenocarcinoma; the fluid contained Strongyloides larvae. There was no evidence of disseminated Strongyloides or immunosuppression. Results of stool examinations were also negative for Strongyloides. Were these larvae the etiologic agent for the carcinoma? Other parasitic infestations have been associated with carcinoma. This is the first reported association between Strongyloides and cystadenocarcinoma.