Adenosquamous carcinoma of the pancreas: multidetector-row computed tomographic manifestations and tumor characteristics.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this article was to present the adenosquamous carcinoma (ASqC) of the pancreas: multidetector-row computed tomographic (CT) features and tumor characteristics.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The clinical data and CT studies of 12 patients with pathologically proven ASqC of the pancreas between the dates February 2001 and February 2010 were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

The presenting symptoms of ASqC of the pancreas were nonspecific. Elevated serum levels of carbohydrate antigen 19-9, carbohydrate antigen 12-5, and carcinoembryonic antigen were noted. The tumor was most commonly involved in the pancreatic head in 6 patients, with the dilation of the common bile duct and the upstream main pancreatic duct. All ASqCs exhibited invasive growth. No calcification and intratumoral hemorrhage were noted in ASqCs. Ten tumors showed enhancement in the early arterial phase and persistent enhancement in the portal vein phase.

CONCLUSION

The typical CT appearance of ASqC was solitary oval or round without any capsule and a defined margin. The dilation of the main pancreatic duct and/or the common bile duct was always discovered. The huge infiltrative lesion outside the pancreas was detected in the tail and/or the body of the pancreas. Not only the elevation of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 is common, but also Ca12-5 and CEA, whereas human alpha fetoprotein elevation is not observed. The enhancement pattern of tumor showed persistence in the portal vein phase.