Magnetic resonance imaging of less common pancreatic malignancies and pancreatic tumors with malignant potential

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the head of the pancreas: A case report

Introduction

and importance: Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas (SPN) or Frantz's tumor is a rare tumor of low malignant potential common in young women. The aim of this paper is to present and discuss a case of a solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas occurring in a 19-year-old female.

Case presentation

A 19-year-old girl presented to our department with epigastric pain for two months, she had no clinical findings on physical examination. Abdominal Computed tomography scan (CT scan) showed the presence of a well-defined tumor arising from the pancreatic head measuring 9,1 × 8.1 × 8.5 cm, heterogeneous and with solid and necrosis components. The patient was subjected to surgery and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas.

Clinical discussion

This is an interesting case report of a rare tumor, in so far as without any adjuvant chemotherapy Prognosis of the tumor is better than other pancreatic tumors. surgical resection seems to be the best strategy in the management of SPT.

Conclusion

Close follow up is necessary for early detection of the recurrence and metastasis.

•

Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas is a rare tumor of low malignant potential.

•

The prognosis is favorable even in the presence of distant metastasis.

•

Surgical resection is the treatment of choice.

•

Close follow up is necessary to early detection of the recurrence and metastasis.

Pancreatic Metastasis from Malignant Melanoma: Not All That Glitters Is Gold

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the most common malignancy of the pancreas; on rare occasions, metastatic tumors are present. Differentiating a primary neoplasm from a metastatic one is important for ensuring adequate treatment for the patient. We present a case of metastatic melanoma to the pancreas. A 60-year-old man presented with a history of weight loss, vague abdominal pain, jaundice, and pruritus. Laboratory tests showed increased total bilirubin, with a direct fraction predominance, as well as increased alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyl transferase. Imaging studies revealed a mass in the head of the pancreas. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine needle biopsy was performed, and histologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic melanoma. This case report illustrates the invaluable use of EUS-guided tissue acquisition in the study of pancreatic solid lesions to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Melanomas should always be part of a differential diagnosis when evaluating patients with pancreatic masses.

Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasm of the Pancreas in a Pediatric Patient

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) is a rare epithelial neoplasm of the pancreas, with low malignant potential, that usually occurs in young women. With advancing diagnostic imaging techniques and technology, the number of documented SPN cases has increased. Due to a varying morphologic appearance, SPNs often fail to show typical imaging findings, making it difficult to establish a definitive diagnosis. A case is reported of a SPN discovered on a routine abdominal sonogram, further characterized with magnetic resonance imaging, and confirmed with surgical pathology analysis. Sonographers should be aware of this rare pathology and should consider SPN in the differential diagnosis when encountering an indeterminate pancreatic neoplasm, especially in a young female patient.