Malignant pancreatic polypeptide secreting tumour of islet cells: a case for aggressive surgical palliation

A case of a malignant pancreatic polypeptide secreting tumour is reported. The tumour was metastatic at presentation at which time it was excised. Pancreatic duct obstruction occurred 3 years after excision causing severe pain on eating. Major palliative surgery, in the form of a pancreatico-jejunostomy, cured the severe symptoms. The patient survives, largely symptom free, over six years after original excision. This case illustrates the need for aggressive management of symptoms in tumours in which long term survival is possible despite locally advanced or metastatic disease.