To access electron micrographs, use Figure 5. The clues leading to the correct diagnosis in this case is the growth pattern that includes the solid areas and papillary transformation in areas showing degenerative changes. Ultrastructurally, the absence of differentiation in otherwise relatively innocuous-looking cells is almost specific for that diagnosis. More importantly, electron microscopy confirms the absence of neurosecretory differentiation. Indeed, the centroacinar cell bears the most analogy with cells composing the solid and epithelial neoplasm of pancreas.
Most patients are asymptomatic or complain of vague abdominal symptoms.
Thus, in the appropriate clinical setting, the possibility of a solid and papillary epithelial neoplasm of pancreas should always be considered in the differential diagnosis. In this particular case, it was the ultrastructural features that were instrumental in arriving at the correct diagnosis. Papillary-cystic neoplasm of the pancreas. Two tumors related to pancreatic ontogeny. Studies of three cases and cumulative review of the world's literature.