A Case of Anaplastic Carcinoma of the Pancreas Mimicking a Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor

Anaplastic carcinoma of the pancreas is an extremely rare but aggressive, rapidly progressive tumor. It often presents with invasion of adjacent organs and distant metastases. Most cases are inoperable and confirmed by autopsy. A correct diagnosis of stomach invasion by anaplastic carcinoma of the pancreas is important due to the risk of bleeding, perforation by rapid tumor growth, and a poor prognosis. However, an accurate diagnosis is difficult as a result of the various clinical presentations, symptoms, and radiological findings. We herein report a case of anaplastic carcinoma of the pancreas in a 78-year-old woman who presented with stomach invasion mimicking a gastrointestinal stromal tumor. (Korean J Med 2012;83:226-231)