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Ductal Adenocarcinoma

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Pathology of the Pancreas

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Abstract

Ductal adenocarcinoma is by far the most frequent neoplasm of the pancreas. This chapter describes and illustrates the prototypical macroscopic and histological features of this cancer. In addition, the marked morphological intratumor and/or intertumor heterogeneity that is frequently observed, and has led to the definition of various histological patterns and numerous subtypes, is discussed together with the main differential diagnoses. Practical advice regarding grading, staging, and specific issues related to the macroscopic examination of surgical resection specimens for ductal adenocarcinoma is provided in detail and illustrated with numerous macroscopic and histological pictures. The use and limitations of immunohistochemistry for the differential diagnosis of ductal adenocarcinoma are discussed. A section of this chapter is specifically dedicated to the diagnostic issues related to the reporting of ductal adenocarcinoma following neoadjuvant treatment and provides guidance regarding macroscopic examination, measurement of tumor size, evaluation of the margin status, and scoring of treatment response.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathology, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK

    Fiona Campbell

  2. Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway

    Caroline S. Verbeke

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  1. Fiona Campbell
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  2. Caroline S. Verbeke
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Correspondence to Fiona Campbell .

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Campbell, F., Verbeke, C.S. (2021). Ductal Adenocarcinoma. In: Pathology of the Pancreas. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-49848-1_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-49848-1_9

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