[Pancreas head tumor in childhood]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Pancreatic tumors are exceptionally rare in children.
• Apudomas (carcinoid tumors) are virtually unheard of in pediatric patients.
• Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing rare pediatric neoplasms.

Observation:

• A 13-year-old female presented with a clinically healthy status prior to diagnosis.
• A tumor was identified in the pancreatic head, situated in the paraduodenal region.
• The patient underwent a Whipple procedure for tumor resection.

Findings:

• Histopathological analysis confirmed the tumor as an apudome, also known as a carcinoid tumor.
• The tumor exhibited endocrine activity.
• This represents an extremely rare occurrence of a pediatric pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor.

Implications:

• This case underscores the diagnostic and therapeutic complexities associated with rare pediatric pancreatic tumors.
• It emphasizes the need for heightened awareness and specialized approaches in pediatric oncology.
• Further research into the etiology and management of pediatric apudomas is warranted.