Pancreatic metastasis of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma: a surgical case report and review of literature

Abstract

Introduction: Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma (MC) is a rapidly progressive sarcoma that predominantly impacts the bones. Making up only 3% of chondrosarcomas, about one-third of these tumors develop in extra-skeletal sites. Case presentation: We present a clinical case of a 42-year-old patient who was diagnosed with MC 8 years ago, now admitted to the hospital with a palpable epigastric mass. Clinical and laboratory examinations showed consistent results for MC tumors, with metastasis to the body and tail of the pancreas and invasion of the splenic vein. Surgical resection and systemic screening were performed to ensure that there were no lesions elsewhere. Regular follow-up has found no localized lesions or complications after 15 months. Clinical discussion: Metastatic extra-skeletal mesenchymal chondrosarcoma of the pancreas is exceptionally rare. To our current understanding, only 14 such cases have been documented in medical literature. The symptoms of pancreatic metastasis are diverse and the radiographic features of metastatic mesenchymal chondrosarcoma are not typically distinct. Conclusions: Although MC tumors do not frequently occur in sites other than the axial system, a tumor presenting later in a patient with a history of MC should be reviewed to confirm the diagnosis of metastatic MC. Treatment can vary between surgery, radiation therapy and systemic therapy.