Medical expert of the article
New publications
Pancreatic sarcoma
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Pancreatic sarcoma is extremely rare, to date, about 200 cases of pancreatic sarcoma have been described in specialized medical literature (judging by the statistics of a number of authors). The initial substrate of the tumor can be any non-epithelial cells of the pancreas (stroma, vessels, ducts), but among them are spindle-shaped or polymorphous-cell sarcomas, rarely giant cells, lympho- and reticulosarcomas.
[Symptoms of pancreatic sarcoma
The clinical manifestations of sarcoma are similar to those of pancreatic cancer, but sarcomas occur more often at an earlier age.
Diagnosis of pancreatic sarcoma
The main diagnostic methods are ultrasound and CT, if necessary, use angiography and ERCPH. In recent years, a puncture of the tumor node under the control of ultrasound or CT has been performed, with the subsequent histological and cytological examination of biopsies, the diagnosis becomes clearer.
For an accurate assessment of the magnitude of the primary tumor and the degree of metastasis, it is recommended to use the international TNM classification. T - tumor, the tumor in accordance with its size, the presence and degree of germination of adjacent tissues is designated by symbols from T1 to T4. N - metastases in regional lymph nodes - from N0 to N3. M - distant metastases, their presence and prevalence are indicated by symbols from M0 to M2. This classification by its concreteness is convenient both for the therapist, for the oncologist, and for the surgeon for determining the possibility of surgical treatment and prognosis.
What do need to examine?
Treatment of pancreatic sarcoma
Treatment of pancreatic sarcoma is only surgical, which, unfortunately, can not be performed in all cases; if the operation is impossible, treatment is symptomatic.
Prognosis for pancreatic sarcoma
In most cases, the course of sarcoma is on average faster than cancer; complications - as in pancreatic cancer. Without treatment, the forecast is poor.