obsolete acinar cell tumor

Obsolete Acinar Cell Tumor Description

Acinar cell carcinoma, also known as acinar cell tumor, was previously considered a rare and distinct type of pancreatic cancer. However, with advancements in medical knowledge and classification systems, the term "acinar cell tumor" is now largely obsolete.

• Historical Context: In the past, acinar cell tumors were thought to be a unique entity, characterized by their origin from the exocrine cells of the pancreas (1). They were considered to have distinct clinical and molecular characteristics compared to other types of pancreatic cancer.
• Current Understanding: With the evolution of medical knowledge, it is now recognized that acinar cell carcinomas are a subtype of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), rather than a separate entity (10). This reclassification has led to a shift in understanding and treatment approaches for this type of cancer.

Key Points

• Acinar cell carcinoma was previously considered a rare and distinct type of pancreatic cancer.
• The term "acinar cell tumor" is now largely obsolete due to advancements in medical knowledge and classification systems.
• Acinar cell carcinomas are now recognized as a subtype of PDAC, rather than a separate entity.

References:

[1] - Context result 3 [10] - Context result 10

Based on the provided context, it appears that there are limited resources available for obsolete acinar cell tumors. However, I can provide some general information about acinar cell carcinoma, which may be relevant to understanding the signs and symptoms of this rare type of cancer.

Common Symptoms

While specific information about obsolete acinar cell tumors is scarce, acinar cell carcinoma, a related condition, has been reported to present with various symptoms. These include:

• Abdominal pain or weight loss [7][8]
• Bloating as the dominant symptom in early-stage cases [8]
• Pancreatic panniculitis, an indicator of extremely high lipase levels, and possible presenting symptom [4][9]

Rare Symptoms

In rare cases, acinar cell carcinoma has been associated with:

• Swelling or pain in the cheek area
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing food [11]

It's essential to note that these symptoms may not be specific to obsolete acinar cell tumors and can be caused by various other conditions. A definitive diagnosis would require further investigation and consultation with a medical professional.

Cancer Cell Characteristics

In general, cancer cells can cause pain in different ways, including:

• A mass or tumor pushing on other areas of the body [14]

It's also worth mentioning that cancer symptoms can be non-specific and may not always point to a specific type of cancer. If you're concerned about your health, it's crucial to consult with a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis and guidance.

References:

[4] Context result 4 [7] Context result 7 [8] Context result 8 [9] Context result 9 [11] Context result 11

Based on the provided context, it appears that diagnostic tests for acinar cell tumors have evolved over time.

Imaging Modalities

Diagnosing acinar cell carcinomas (ACCs) involves various imaging modalities, including CT and/or MRI scans [1]. These tests can help identify the tumor's size, location, and potential spread. However, it is essential to note that radiologic findings for ACCs are non-specific and may not distinguish them from other pancreatic tumors, such as ductal adenocarcinomas [10].

Blood Chemistries

Elevated serum lipase levels can be indicative of acinar cell carcinoma, as seen in a case study where the final pathology revealed a high-grade acinar cell carcinoma with highly elevated serum lipase prior to surgery [2]. However, blood chemistries may not always be reliable, and other markers like alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) might be more relevant in certain cases [13].

Biopsy

Ultrasound-guided biopsy of the pancreas can provide a definitive diagnosis of ACC. This procedure involves taking a tissue sample from the tumor for pathological examination [13]. The pathology diagnosis was pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma (PACC) in one reported case, with stage IV cancer [13].

Other Diagnostic Tests

While not specifically mentioned as diagnostic tests for obsolete acinar cell tumors, it is worth noting that comprehensive imaging and computed tomography (CT)-guided core biopsy can reveal features identical to acinar cell carcinomas in other organs, such as the liver [5]. This highlights the importance of considering differential diagnoses when interpreting imaging results.

In summary, while diagnostic tests have evolved over time, imaging modalities like CT and MRI scans remain essential for identifying ACCs. Blood chemistries may provide additional clues, but biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosis. Other diagnostic tests, such as comprehensive imaging and CT-guided core biopsy, can also be useful in certain cases.

References:

[1] Al-Hader et al. (2017) - Diagnosing PACCs includes use of various imaging modalities. [2] Armstrong et al. (2011) - Elevated serum lipase levels indicative of acinar cell carcinoma. [5] Comprehensive imaging and CT-guided core biopsy can reveal features identical to acinar cell carcinomas in other organs, such as the liver. [10] Radiologic findings for ACCs are non-specific and may not distinguish them from other pancreatic tumors. [13] Ultrasound-guided biopsy of the pancreas can provide a definitive diagnosis of ACC.

Based on the provided context, it appears that there are limited treatment options available for acinar cell carcinoma (ACC), a rare type of pancreatic cancer.

Current Treatment Options

According to search result [10], ACC accounts for only 1% of all primary pancreatic neoplasms. Given its rarity, limited data exist on clinical disease course, prognosis, and treatment. However, it is mentioned that treatment consists of surgical resection and sometimes adjuvant therapy (search result [4]).

Chemotherapy Options

Search results [1] and [6] mention the use of chemotherapy with FOFIRNIOX in treating ACC. Additionally, search result [7] describes the use of FOLFOX and FOLFIRINOX in the first-line setting for pure ACCs. However, it is essential to note that these treatments may not be effective for all patients.

Targeted Therapy

Search result [5] mentions a case report from Shanghai where olaparib was used as a third-line therapy with a brief partial response of tumor shrinkage. This suggests that targeted therapies like olaparib might have some efficacy in treating ACC, but more research is needed to confirm this.

Other Treatment Options

Search result [9] mentions the use of folinic acid, fluorouracil, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin (FOLFIRINOX) as a treatment option. However, it was discontinued due to disease progression.

It's essential to note that these treatment options are based on limited data and may not be effective for all patients with ACC. Further research is needed to develop more effective treatments for this rare type of pancreatic cancer.

References:

[1] by L von Fritsch · 2024 · Cited by 2 [4] by F Nasser · 2017 · Cited by 7 [5] by A Balachandran Pillai · 2024 [6] by L von Fritsch · 2024 · Cited by 2 [7] by A Nasser · 2022 · Cited by 1 [9] by MS Pelster · 2024 · Cited by 1 [10] The functional pancreatic acinar cell synthesizes, stores, and secretes digestive enzymes.