Author/Editor     Pohar-Marinšek, Živa
Title     Fine needle aspiration biopsy of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors in children: report of two cases
Type     članek
Source     In: Ferlan-Marolt V, Luzar B, Pavelić K, et al, editors. Proceedings of the International conference on diseases of pancreas, biliary tract and duodenum: day of dialogue in diagnostic dilemmas DDDD; 1999 May 7, Ljubljana. Ljubljana: Medical faculty university, Institute of pathology,
Publication year     1999
Volume     str. 26-9
Language     eng
Abstract     Aim: to describe the cytomorphology of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors in FNAB and to point out some possible pitfalls. Material and methods: FNAB was performed from a primary benign pancreatic islet cell tumor in a 13 year boy and from a metastasis of a neuroendocirine carcinoma of the pancras in a 17 year old boy. Slides were stained according to Giemsa and papanicolaou methods, the later were used also for immunocytochemical staining for cytokeratin and chromogranin A. Results: The benign pancreatic islet cell tumor had the typical morphologic appearance with uniform, polygonal cells containing round, eccentrically positioned nuclei. Positive immunocytochemical staining for chromogranin A confirmed the morphologic impression of the neuroendocrine character of the tumor. The neuroendocrine carcinoma resembled a small round blue cell tumor of childhood. Positive immunocytochemical staining for cytokeratin ruled out neuroblastoma which was strongly suggested by morphology and patient's age. Discussion: Neuroendocrine tumors of pancreas can be recognized in FNAB smears when they have typical morphology and when primary lesions are aspirated. However, since they resemble other neuroendocrine tumors it is not possible to recognise their pancreatic origin from metastatic sites. Neuroendocrine carcinomas are difficult to differentiate from non-endocrine carcinomas without the use of immunocytochemistry. In pediatric cases small round blue cell tumors should also be considered.
Descriptors     PANCREATIC NEOPLASMS
CHILD
ADOLESCENCE
BIOPSY, NEEDLE
CARCINOMA, ISLET CELL