Analysis of misdiagnosis of pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma with significantly elevated alpha-fetoprotein: a case report and literature review - Takeaways - MDSpire

Analysis of misdiagnosis of pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma with significantly elevated alpha-fetoprotein: a case report and literature review

  • By

  • Huihang Mei

  • Hao Li

  • Wenting Shang

  • Geng Yu

  • Mingjian Li

  • Yongbiao Ma

  • July 16, 2026

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  • 1

    Acinar cell carcinoma (ACC) is a rare pancreatic tumor, accounting for about 1% of all pancreatic tumors, primarily affecting middle-aged and elderly males.

  • 2

    A 72-year-old female patient was misdiagnosed with solid pseudopapillary neoplasm, despite having significantly elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein levels.

  • 3

    Imaging findings often resemble those of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and solid pseudopapillary neoplasm, increasing the risk of misdiagnosis.

  • 4

    The patient underwent radical Pancreaticoduodenectomy, and final histopathological results confirmed the diagnosis of pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma.

  • 5

    Integrating tumor marker analysis, imaging findings, and multidisciplinary team evaluations is essential to minimize preoperative misdiagnosis of ACC.

Original Source(s)

Analysis of misdiagnosis of pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma with significantly elevated alpha-fetoprotein: a case report and literature review

  • by Huihang Mei, Hao Li, Wenting Shang, Geng Yu, Mingjian Li, Yongbiao Ma

  • July 16, 2026

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