Pancreatic follicular dendritic cell sarcoma: a case report

Abstract

Abstract Background Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDCS) is a rare, low-to-moderate-grade malignant tumor, which occurs in the dendritic cells of the germinal center. Pancreatic FDCS (PFDCS) is extremely rare, with only a few reported cases. Presently, the etiology and pathogenesis of pancreatic FDCS are still unclear, and the clinical symptoms and signs as well as the laboratory diagnosis lack specificity. Although PFDCS presents better histological and morphological characteristics and a distinct immunophenotype, it can be easily missed and/or misdiagnosed if it occurs outside the node. Lymph node FDCS are easier to diagnose because of the rarity of fusiform cell tumors in lymph nodes. Case demonstration Herein, we reported a 67-year-old female patient with upper-left abdominal pain without obvious cause and was admitted for treatment. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a cystic solid mass in the pancreatic tail toward the greater curvature of the stomach, with an obvious enhancement of the cyst wall in enhanced scanning. Subsequently, the patient underwent surgical resection and the resected sample was sent for pathological biopsy. According to the results, the pathology was consistent with the histological morphology and immunohistochemical characteristics of FDCS, and the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-encoded RNA was negative for in situ hybridization. Three months post-resection, the patient returned to the hospital for chemotherapy. This case report is aimed to improve the clinical recognition of FDCS. Conclusion Pancreatic FDCS is a rare disease. Herein, we have reported a case of pancreatic FDCS and analyzed its clinical and pathological features and differential diagnosis to improve the understanding of FDCS.