Elastase-1-secreting acinar cell carcinoma of the pancreas. A cytologic, electron microscopic and histochemical study.

A case of acinar cell carcinoma of the pancreas was diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology during surgery. The cytologic characteristics of this neoplasm are described. Electron microscopy disclosed numerous zymogen granules in the tumor while histochemistry demonstrated the presence of elastase-1. Serum elastase-1 levels were markedly elevated. The cytologic differential diagnosis of pancreatic tumors is discussed.