Case report of early pancreatic adenocarcinoma squamous type in a challenging female patient with vague presentation.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Pancreatic tumors are aggressive malignancies. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), rarely exhibits squamous differentiation, a variant associated with worse prognosis. PDAC in the body and tail of the pancreas often presents with vague symptoms, making early diagnosis difficult and requiring advanced imaging and a multidisciplinary approach for effective management.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 63-year-old woman presented with persistent epigastric pain radiating to the back. Initial tests and ultrasound were normal. After symptoms persisted, a CT scan and MRCP revealed a pancreatic mass. Biopsy confirmed PDAC with squamous differentiation. The patient underwent subtotal pancreatectomy with splenectomy. Post-surgery, she was scheduled for adjuvant chemotherapy.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

This case highlights the challenges of diagnosing rare pancreatic cancer variants with nonspecific symptoms. Advanced imaging, biopsy, and immunohistochemistry are crucial for accurate diagnosis. While surgical resection with clear margins is key, adjuvant chemotherapy is essential due to high recurrence risks. A multidisciplinary approach can improve outcomes for these rare cancer subtypes.

CONCLUSION

Pancreatic cancer is a rare tumor that can't be excluded as a differential in any abdominal pain. Management of pancreatic cancer cases require multidisciplinary collaboration between surgery, radiology, pathology and oncology departments to achieve the best outcome for the patient.