Extremely large solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPNs) are rare pancreatic tumors with low malignant potential. Although SPNs often grow slowly and may reach a large size before detection, tumors > 20 cm in diameter are extremely rare.

A 45-year-old asymptomatic woman was incidentally found to have a large abdominal mass during a routine health examination. Serum CEA and CA19-9 levels were within normal limits. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed a well-encapsulated cystic mass measuring approximately 20 cm, with heterogeneous internal density and focal mural thickening. MRI demonstrated a predominantly cystic lesion with high signal intensity on T2-weighted images and restricted diffusion in the solid components. Complete surgical resection was performed, with an operative time of 4 h 9 min and blood loss of 42 mL. Pathological examination confirmed a 22 × 22-cm SPN with typical histological and immunohistochemical features. Postoperative portal vein thrombosis was successfully treated with anticoagulation therapy. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 17 and remains recurrence-free 5 years after surgery.

This case demonstrates that even extremely large SPNs can be safely resected with excellent long-term outcomes, and tumor size alone should not be considered an indicator of aggressive biological behavior.