Solid-pseudopapillary tumor of pancreas in a young woman: a case report and literature review

Abstract

Solid-pseudopapillary tumor of pancreas is a rare neoplasm which occurs pre-dominantely in young females. This tumor generally is asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic and some imaging tests are useful for its diagnosis. We report a 17 years-old woman with dyspeptic symptoms submitted to an abdominal ultrasound (US), that revealed a hypoechogenic mass between the liver, right kidney and pancreas. Computer tomography (CT) scan showed a hypodense and heterogeneous mass on pancreas head. The patient underwent elective resection of the mass and the histopathology was consistent with a solid-pseudopapillary tumor of pancreas. Immunohistochemical positivity for NSE (neuron-specific enolase), progesterone receptor, alfa-1-antitrypsin, vimentin, AE1/AE3, and negativity for synaptophysin and chromogranin A confirmed the diagnosis. After four years of clinical follow-up, the patient remains in a good general condition without signs of tumor recurrence.

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas: a report of 10 cases and literature review

“…Nguyen et al . showed 100% sensitivity and specificity of beta‐catenin in these tumours while positivity for synaptophysin was seen in 36% and for chromogranin …”

Solid pseudopapillary tumor: a rare neoplasm of the pancreas

“…Histogenesis remains a debatable question: acinar, endocrine, ductal and progenitor cells have been postulated as possible beginnings of this tumor. It is frequently asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic [1]. These tumors can be visualized in many imaging modalities, such as ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can be used to differentiate it from other pancreatic lesions.…”

Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasm of the Pancreas in a Pediatric Patient

“…In addition, pancreatic laboratory values are typically normal, making incidental finding a common means of detection for SPNs. 3 If the SPN grows large enough, obstruction of the main pancreatic duct or biliary tree would manifest obstructive and pancreatitis symptoms. Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms classically occur in the head or tail of the pancreas but can be found throughout the pancreas.…”

“…1,2 Distinct characteristics of a SPN include prevalence in young females, uncertain histogenesis, generally low malignant potential, and an excellent long-term prognosis, despite its aggressive appearance at presentation. 3 Accurate preoperative diagnosis aids surgical decision making and can require multimodality imaging management. This article presents a case of SPN in which diagnosis was suspected on imaging and confirmed by pathology, enabling appropriate surgical management.…”