Features

Architecture

• Moderately to highly cellular smears
• Predominantly ductal cells
• Rarely acinar and islet cells
• Crowded, disorganized groups and single cells

Cellular features

• High N:C ratios
• Delicate cytoplasm
• Intracytoplasmic mucin vacuoles may be seen

Nuclear features

• Nuclei enlarged, irregular outlines
• Anisonucleosis
• Hyperchromasia
• Nuclear grooves and foldings
• Fine to coarse chromatin
• Prominent nucleoli, even macronucleoli

Background

• Mitosis
• Necrosis may be seen
• May have pancreatitis

Ancillary studies

• Express cytokeratin,CK7, CK19, CK8, CK18, CEA, CA19-9, may be positive for MUC1, CK20; usually negative for MUC2

Reference

Lin F et al. Cancer. 2003 Feb 25;99(1):44-50
Bardales RH et al. Diagn Cytopathol. 2006 Feb;34(2):140-75.