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Metastatic tumors

FNA is particularly useful in documenting a metastatic malignancy involving the pancreas.

• Lung carcinoma (small cell and squamous cell)
• Breast carcinoma
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• Renal cell carcinoma

Because ductal cell adenocarcinoma is by far the most common pancreatic tumor, any aspirate showing cytologic features unusual for this diagnosis should raise the possibility of a metastasis. Although distinctive cytologic features may suggest the primary site, most cases require immunohistochemical stains and a thorough clinical history.