Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas

BMJ Case Rep. 2012 Oct 26:2012:bcr0120125589. doi: 10.1136/bcr.01.2012.5589.

Abstract

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPNs) are rare entities accounting for between 0.13 and 2.7 per cent of pancreatic tumours. This neoplasm has a predilection for females under the age of 35. The authors report this case of a SPN incidentally discovered when a 59-year-old female underwent a chest x-ray to investigate a wheeze. A subsequent CT abdomen revealed a 10 cm well-circumscribed mass adjacent to the tail of the pancreas. This mass was successfully resected. Immunohistochemical markers established the diagnosis of a SPN. The wheeze associated with the presentation of this case was unrelated to the tumour which was an incidental finding. These neoplasms are largely asymptomatic and indolent reaching a large size before detection. Diagnosis is confirmed on histology and in this case surgical resection was curative and there was no metastasis at presentation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Papillary / diagnostic imaging
  • Carcinoma, Papillary / pathology*
  • Carcinoma, Papillary / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pancreas / diagnostic imaging
  • Pancreas / pathology*
  • Pancreas / surgery
  • Pancreatectomy
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / surgery
  • Radiography