Adenosquamous carcinoma of the pancreas

Background, Adenosquamous carcinoma of the pancreas most probably represent s squamous metaplasia of an adenocarcinoma. Metastases are typically an adm ixture of both elements, but more frequently, adenocarcinoma. Methods. A review of 102 pancreaticoduodenectomies for masses of the head o f the pancreas done between 1994 and 1998 revealed two patients with adenos quamous carcinoma of the pancreas. Results, Both patients underwent successful pancreaticoduodenctomy, but wer e found to have nodal metastasis. One patient lived 13 mo and the other liv ed 14 mo with both dying from metastatic disease. Conclusion. Adenosquamous carcinoma of the pancreas is a rare tumor, and be cause its presentation, clinical features, and course are identical to aden ocarcinoma of the pancreas, it should be considered in the differential dia gnosis for any mass of the head of the pancreas. Survival is poor for these patients. In this series, it was 13 and 14 mo, respectively.