Description
Interpreting cytologic specimens from the pancreaticobiliary tract can often be both difficult and frightening. Pitfalls abound. Even non-malignant specimens can appear shockingly atypical, and the stakes riding on the diagnosis are often high—definitive therapy with a Whipple procedure vs chemotherapy of limited efficacy. The use of pancreaticobiliary brushings and endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspirations are increasing and may present diagnostic challenges to the practicing pathologist. This workshop will outline an algorithmic approach to the interpretation of these specimens. Benign and inflammatory differentials will be presented. The integration of the aspirate and concurrent biopsies for an accurate diagnosis will be demonstrated. Finally, we will review the utility of immunohistochemistry in the evaluation of these lesions.
Objectives:
- Identify key cytomorphological features of pancreaticobiliary neoplasms
- Recognize the challenges and limitations of pancreaticobiliary cytology
- Demonstrate the complementary value of both cytology and histology in the evaluation
of pancreaticobiliary lesions
- Demonstrate, write, measure, describe… : Integrate ancillary studies into the evaluation of pancreaticobiliary lesions
Target Audience
- Pathologists
- Residents
- Medical Students
CanMEDS Roles
- Medical Expert (the integrating role)
- Communicator
- Collaborator
- Health Advocate
- Scholar
