Overview
Undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells of the pancreas (also called UC-OGC or osteoclast-like giant cell tumor of the pancreas) is a very rare and aggressive type of pancreatic cancer. What makes this tumor unusual is that it contains two types of cells: abnormal cancer cells and large cells called osteoclast-like giant cells, which look similar to the bone-resorbing cells found in normal bone tissue. These giant cells are not themselves cancerous, but they are found mixed in with the tumor. This cancer usually develops in the body or tail of the pancreas and can grow quite large before it is found. It may spread to nearby organs, lymph nodes, or distant parts of the body. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, nausea, and a lump that can sometimes be felt in the belly. Some people also develop jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) if the tumor blocks bile ducts. Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the tumor when possible, often combined with chemotherapy. Because this cancer is so rare, there are no treatments specifically approved just for this type, and doctors often follow guidelines used for more common pancreatic cancers. Early detection gives the best chance of successful treatment, but many cases are found at an advanced stage.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Abdominal or upper belly painUnexplained weight lossNausea and vomitingLoss of appetiteYellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)Fatigue and weaknessA lump or mass felt in the abdomenBack painBloating or feeling full quicklyDark urine or pale stools
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
1 availableILARIS
indicated for the symptomatic treatment of adult patients with gout flares in whom non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and colchicine are contraindicated, are not tolerated, or do not provi…
indicated for the symptomatic treatment of adult patients with gout flares in whom non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and colchicine are contraindicated, are not tolerated, or do not provide an adequate response, and in whom repeated courses of corticosteroids are not appropriate
Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells of pancreas at this time.
New trials open frequently. Follow this disease to get notified.
Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells of pancreas.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells of pancreas.
Community
No community posts yet. Be the first to share your experience with Undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells of pancreas.
Start the conversation →Latest news about Undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells of pancreas
No recent news articles for Undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells of pancreas.
Follow this condition to be notified when news becomes available.
Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Is my tumor able to be removed with surgery, and what type of surgery would I need?,Should my tumor tissue be tested for specific gene mutations, and could any targeted therapies apply to me?,Should I or my family members have genetic testing for inherited cancer risk genes?,What chemotherapy options are available for my situation, and what side effects should I expect?,Are there any clinical trials I might be eligible for?,What specialists should be part of my care team, and should I seek a second opinion at a specialized pancreatic cancer center?,What support services are available to help me manage nutrition, pain, and emotional wellbeing during treatment?
Common questions about Undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells of pancreas
What is Undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells of pancreas?
Undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells of the pancreas (also called UC-OGC or osteoclast-like giant cell tumor of the pancreas) is a very rare and aggressive type of pancreatic cancer. What makes this tumor unusual is that it contains two types of cells: abnormal cancer cells and large cells called osteoclast-like giant cells, which look similar to the bone-resorbing cells found in normal bone tissue. These giant cells are not themselves cancerous, but they are found mixed in with the tumor. This cancer usually develops in the body or tail of the pancreas and can grow qui
How is Undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells of pancreas inherited?
Undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells of pancreas follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells of pancreas typically begin?
Typical onset of Undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells of pancreas is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.