Ampullary micropapillary adenocarcinoma widely metastatic to the lymph nodes: A case report

We report a case of a 71 year old man who was admitted with symptoms of obstructive jaundice and slight epigastric pain and weight loss. Clinical and histological investigations revealed a small (<2 cm) ampullary adenocarcinoma comprised of an invasive front showing a micropapillary pattern, mixed with a biliary type solid and cribriform component. Extensive lymphatic and lymph node involvement were present. The widespread lymph node metastases affected both staging categories N and M.We believe micropapillary carcinoma should be considered in the WHO classification of Tumors of the Digestive System, in the ampullary chapter, as a separate histological subtype, in analogy with other organs to reflect its aggressive clinical behavior.
Source: Human Pathology: Case Reports - Category: Pathology Source Type: research