Branch duct origin of solid type pancreatic ductal carcinoma

A case of branch duct origin of solid type pancreatic ductal carcinoma is presented. Stepwise tissue sections of an entire specimen, including the carcinoma area, and mapping, with special reference to the relationship between the main duct and the carcinoma area, were performed. Carcinoma cells of the branch duct showed intraductal spread with minimal stromal invasion. No carcinoma tissue was observed in the main duct. Therefore this case was considered to be of branch duct origin. The finding of histologically identified branch duct origin of solid type pancreatic ductal carcinoma indicates a distinct advantage to be gained by giving special attention to both the main and branch ducts when using image diagnosis for early detection of carcinomas, and may represent the first reported surgically resected case.