[Two cases of papillary tumor of the pancreas]

Two patients with papillary tumors of the pancreas are reported. In both cases, the tumors occurred in women (62 and 60 years of age) who presented with upper abdominal mass and abdominal fullness. The resected tumors were 14 X 16 cm and 13 X 10.5 X 8.3 cm, respectively. Their histology resembled that of the papillary tumor of the pancreas reported by Frantz (1959). The ultrastructural details, including numerous mitochondria, basement membrane and no evidence of secretory or zymogen granules, suggest pancreatic duct cell origin. The first patient died of colon cancer six years and 10 months postoperatively. The second patient is without signs of recurrence five months after resection.