Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm-Case report of a rare pancreatic tumor

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) is a rare pancreatic tumor. Most patients are female within the second or third decade of life with only a small minority concerning children. Frequently described as low malignant potential tumors, surgical resection remains the main treatment.

The authors present a case of a SPN diagnosed in a 17-year-old Caucasian girl with vomiting and abdominal pain localized to the right upper quadrant. CT scans and MRI scans showed the presence of a well-defined tumor arising from the pancreatic head with 14cm of greater diameter. Pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy was performed and histopathology confirmed a SPN with complete resection and no evidence of malignancy.

SPN are usually found incidentally hence the importance of an accurate radiologic diagnosis. Symptoms may be present such as abdominal pain or vomiting due to compression, namely in large tumors. A surgical approach is usually indicated aiming complete resection, with tumor size not predicting resectability.

Solid pseudopapillary tumors of the pancreas are extremely rare and usually have an excellent long-term prognosis after surgical resection.