Foamy Gland Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Diagnosed on EUS-FNA: A Histochemical, Immunohistochemical, and Molecular Report

Claudio Bellevicine, M.D.,1 Umberto Malapelle, B.S.,1 Antonino Iaccarino, Ph.D.,1
Pietro Schettino, M.D.,2 Vincenzo Napolitano, M.D.,2 
Pio Zeppa, M.D., Ph.D.,3 and Giancarlo Troncone, M.D., Ph.D.1* 

Source

1Department of Biomorfologic and Functional Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.

2Endoscopic Surgery, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy

3San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d’Aragona, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy

*Correspondence to: Giancarlo Troncone, M.D., Ph.D., Dipartimento di Scienze Biomorfologiche e Funzionali, Universita` degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Napoli, Italia.E-mail: giancarlo.troncone@unina.itReceived 27 February 2012; Revision 15 June 2012; Accepted 9 August 2012DOI 10.1002/dc.22923Published online 25 September 2012 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com).

Diagnostic Cytopathology

Volume 41, Issue 1, pages 77–80, January 2013

Keywords:

pancreatic adenocarcinoma;EUS-FNA;foamy gland pattern;special stains;molecular cytopathology

Abstract

The foamy gland pattern (FGP) may impart to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) a deceptively benign appearance. Thus, its diagnosis on FNA is challenging. A case of PDA with FGP, that was suspected on Diff Quik smears, diagnosed on cell-block preparation and confirmed by ancillary stains and molecular techniques, is here reported. The diagnostic interpretation of foamy atypical cells on direct smears may benefit from cell block preparation and from ancillary techniques. 

Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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