Acinar Cell Carcinoma of the Pancreas: A Three Case Series and Literature Review.

Abstract

The pancreas is predominantly composed of acinar cells, yet malignant transformation of these cells is uncommon. Acinar cell carcinoma (ACC) is a rare pancreatic neoplasm, accounting for approximately 1-2% of pancreatic tumours in adults. It commonly arises in the pancreatic head and, unlike pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, often presents without jaundice. We report the clinicopathological features of three patients diagnosed with ACC at our institution. Case 1 was a 40-year-old man with recurrent vomiting, epigastric pain, weight loss, early satiety, and a 20-pack-year smoking history. Case 2 was an 82-year-old who presented with recurrent abdominal pain, distension, jaundice, weight loss, and vomiting, and died shortly after admission; autopsy revealed widespread intra-abdominal tumour. Case 3 had a similar clinical presentation. Histology confirmed ACC in all three cases. Case 1 underwent surgery and chemotherapy, while Case 3 received chemotherapy alone. ACC should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic masses causing gastric outlet obstruction, particularly in the absence of jaundice.