This course is intended for cytopathologists, general pathologists who read FNA biopsies, fellows and residents. Participants are expected to have a basic knowledge of cytopathology of the liver and pancreas.

The course will cover the major or most common diagnostic problems encountered in interpreting fine needle aspiration biopsies of the liver and pancreas. In the liver these include the diagnosis of well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma and its distinction from benign, non-neoplastic and neoplastic entities; the distinction between a primary hepatocellular carcinoma and a metastatic carcinoma, particularly metastatic renal cell carcinoma and a metastatic adrenal carcinoma; and the diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma and its distinction from metastatic adenocarcinoma.

In the pancreas these include the diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, including the distinction of well-differentiated tumors from benign glandular epithelium, and higher grade tumors from marked reactive atypia; the diagnosis and evaluation of pancreatic cystic lesions including cyst fluid analysis, with emphasis on the differential diagnosis of mucinous neoplasms; and the diagnosis and work up of pancreatic endocrine tumors.

Specific cases will illustrate the approach to each of these diagnostic problems. Some problem areas may be discussed using one or more of the submitted study cases. The course will begin with a session on FNA of the liver followed by a session on FNA of the pancreas after the break. There will be ample time for questions at the end of each problem discussion. All registrants for the course will receive a set of transparencies for retention. A detailed syllabus will be distributed at the course. (Last Scheduled Presentation)