What is Pancreatic Undifferentiated Carcinoma with Osteoclast-like Giant Cells?
Pancreatic Undifferentiated Carcinoma with Osteoclast-like Giant Cells is a very rare and aggressive type of pancreatic cancer. It is called “undifferentiated” because the cancer cells look extremely abnormal and don’t resemble normal pancreas cells under the microscope. One of the most unusual features of this cancer is the presence of special large cells called osteoclast-like giant cells. These cells look similar to bone-destroying cells seen in the body, but here, they are found in the pancreatic tumour.
This cancer mostly affects older adults, usually over the age of 60, and occurs slightly more in men than in women. Unlike many other types of pancreatic cancer, this rare kind is not linked to common risk factors such as smoking, alcohol, diabetes, or family history. Its cause is still unclear and under research.
Symptoms
This cancer may not cause any noticeable symptoms in its early stages, which makes it difficult to detect early. As the tumour grows, patients may begin to experience various signs and discomforts. One of the most common symptoms is pain in the upper part of the belly or back, which may come and go or persist.
Jaundice, which causes yellowing of the skin and eyes, can occur if the tumour blocks the bile duct. Many people also feel nauseous or may vomit, especially after eating. Sudden and unexplained weight loss, along with a noticeable loss of appetite, is another concerning sign. Some individuals report feeling full very quickly after eating only a small amount of food.
Diagnosis
For diagnosis, initially, blood tests are performed, including liver and pancreatic enzyme levels. Imaging tests like CT scan, MRI, or endoscopic ultrasound help to detect the tumour.
To confirm the diagnosis, a biopsy is needed, which involves removing a small piece of the tumour to examine it under a microscope. The pathologist will check for the presence of osteoclast-like giant cells, which are a key sign of this type of cancer.
Treatment
If the tumour is found early and has not spread, surgery (like Whipple procedure or total pancreatectomy) is usually the main treatment. However, because this cancer spreads quickly, chemotherapy is often required after surgery. Sometimes, radiation therapy may also be used.
Prognosis
This cancer is considered aggressive, with a generally poor outlook. But if diagnosed early and treated aggressively, some patients may live longer. Continuous follow-up is important after treatment to catch any return of cancer early.
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