Management of a malignant case of solid pseudopapillary tumor of pancreas: a case report and literature review

Pediatric Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasm of the Pancreas

Background

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) of the pancreas in children is a rare tumor with low malignant potential. Some tumors, however, behave aggressively. There is very little literature on managing these variants, especially in children. We share our experience of managing large and recurrent SPN and explore the clinicopathological findings correlating to the risk of recurrence.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of children treated for SPN between 2012 and 2022 at a tertiary care center in India. The clinicopathological features and management strategies in these children were evaluated.

Results

Sixteen children with SPN were treated during this period (88% of girls). The median age of presentation was 12 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 9-14). All children presented with abdominal pain. Computed tomography gave a definitive diagnosis in 81% of cases. The tumor predominantly involved the head of the pancreas (n = 9, 56%). Eight of nine children classified as high-grade (HG) malignant had a benign course. One child had a recurrence of the tumor 4 years after the initial resection and further recurrence on chemotherapy. She required radiation therapy in addition to reoperation following which she was disease free for 77 months. The overall median follow-up was 46 months (IQR: 18-72 months).

Conclusion

Complete resection of the tumor provides a cure in most patients with SPN. Recurrent tumors require a multi-modality approach. Long-term survival is good. There is a need for clear definitions of the components within the WHO criteria for HG malignancy.

Malignant Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasm of the Pancreas: An Orthogonal Analysis

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPN) are generally indolent; however, some patients present with "malignant" SPN. An orthogonal analysis of multiple datasets was performed to investigate the utility of complete surgical resection (CSR) for malignant SPN.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed for cases of malignant SPN, defined as T4, N1, and/or M1. Malignant SPN was analyzed within the National Cancer Database (NCDB) and compared with T1-3N0M0 SPN. Predictors of malignant SPN were assessed, and treatments were analyzed by using survival analysis.

RESULTS

The systematic review yielded 164 cases of malignant SPN. Of 31 children, only one died due to malignant SPN. Among adults, CSR was associated with improved disease-specific survival (DSS) (P = 0.0002). Chemotherapy did not improve malignant SPN DSS, whether resected (P = 0.8485) or not (P = 0.2219). Of 692 adults with SPN within the NCDB, 93 (13.4%) had malignant SPN. Pancreatic head location (odds ratio [OR] 2.174; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.136-4.166; P = 0.0186) and tumor size (OR 1.154; 95% CI 1.079-1.235; P < 0.0001) associated with the malignant phenotype. Malignant SPN predicted decreased overall survival (OS) compared with T1-3N0M0 disease (P < 0.0001). Resected malignant SPN demonstrated improved OS (P < 0.0001), including resected stage IV malignant SPN (P = 0.0003). Chemotherapy did not improve OS for malignant SPN, whether resected (P = 0.8633) or not (P = 0.5734). Within a multivariable model, resection was associated with decreased hazard of death (hazard ratio 0.090; 95% CI 0.030-0.261; P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately 13% of patients with SPN present with a malignant phenotype. Pediatric cases may be less aggressive. Resection may improve survival for malignant SPN, which does not appear chemosensitive.

Laparoscopic parenchyma-sparing resections for solid pseudopapillary tumors located in the head of pancreas

BACKGROUND

Solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT) of the pancreas is a rare low-grade malignant tumor. Here, we aimed to determine the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic parenchyma-sparing pancreatectomy for SPT located in the pancreatic head.

METHODS

From July 2014 to February 2022, 62 patients with SPT located in the pancreatic head were operated laparoscopically in two institutions. These patients were divided into two groups according to the operative strategy: laparoscopic parenchyma-sparing pancreatectomy (27 patients, group 1) and laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (35 patients, group 2). The clinical data were retrospectively collected and analyzed in terms of demographic characteristics, perioperative variables, and long-term follow-up outcomes.

RESULTS

The demographic characteristics of the patients in the two groups were comparable. Compared to the patients in group 2, those in group 1 required less operative time (263.4 ± 37.2 min vs. 332.7 ± 55.6 min, p < 0.001) and experienced less blood loss (105.1 ± 36.5mL vs. 188.3 ± 150.7 mL, p < 0.001). None of the patients in group 1 had tumor recurrence or metastasis. However, 1 (2.5%) patient in group 2 showed liver metastasis.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic parenchyma-sparing pancreatectomy is a safe and feasible approach for SPT located in the pancreatic head, with favorable long-term functional and oncological results.

Clinical Course, Genetic, and Immunohistochemical Characterization of Solid Pseudopapillary Tumor of the Pancreas (Frantz Tumors) in a Brazilian Cohort

Frantz tumors or solid pseudopapillary pancreatic neoplasm (SPN) are rare exocrine neoplasms that carry a favorable prognosis; they represent up to 3% of all tumors located in the region of the pancreas and have specific age and gender predispositions. In recent years, the rising curve of diagnosis is entitled to the evolution and access of diagnostic imaging. In this paper, we have retrospectively reviewed and described the clinical course of 40 patients with SPN from three institutions in Brazil, who had their diagnosis between 2005 and 2020, and analyzed the clinicopathological, genetic, and surgical aspects of these individuals. In accordance with the literature, most patients were women, 60% with unspecified symptoms at diagnosis, with tumors mainly located in the body and tail of the pancreas, of whom 70% underwent a distal pancreatectomy with sparing splenectomy as a standard procedure, and none of the cases have experienced recurrence to date. Surgery still remains the mainstay of treatment given the low metastatic potential, but more conservative approaches as observed in this cohort are evolving to become the standard of care. Herein, we present an in-depth analysis of cases focusing on the latest literature and report some of the smallest tumor cases in the literature. To our knowledge, this is the first report evaluating germline genetic testing and presenting a case of detected Li-Fraumeni syndrome.

Solid Pseudopapillary Epithelial Neoplasm of the Pancreas in the Paediatric Population: A Report of Two Cases

A rare pathology, the solid pseudopapillary epithelial neoplasm (SPEN) of the pancreas accounts for approximately 1% of pancreatic neoplasms. Initially called ‘Frantz’s tumour’, it has now been renamed to SPEN by the World Health Organization (WHO). This tumour has a predilection for females and a good prognosis with surgical excision being the treatment of choice.

Palpable abdominal masses in children are of significant clinical importance. Identifying cystic lesions in the pancreas from CT or MRI scans always warrant further investigations. Primary pancreatic neoplasms account for 0.1% of pancreatic tumours in the paediatric population; an extremely rare circumstance constituting a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to surgeons. This article comprises two paediatric cases of SPEN in 14- and 11-year-old females, respectively, and a literature review on current management.

A Rare Case of Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasm of the Pancreas

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of pancreas (SPN) is a rare entity. It is almost exclusively seen in females within the second and third decades of life with only small minority affecting children. Due to the paucity of the number of cases seen, the natural history of the disease is not fully understood. SPN tumors of the pancreas are usually found incidentally and usually have an excellent prognosis. We herein present a case of a 33-year-old lady diagnosed with SPN, who presented with abdominal fullness, two weeks post cesarean section.

Large tumor size, lymphovascular invasion, and synchronous metastasis are associated with the recurrence of solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas

BACKGROUND

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPNs) of the pancreas have low malignant potential. However, malignant SPNs are not fully understood.

METHODS

To evaluate risk factors affecting malignant potential, the clinicopathologic features of 375 surgically resected SPNs were compared.

RESULTS

Fifty (13.3%) had malignant histologic features. Twenty-seven and 22 had perineural and lymphovascular invasions, respectively. Adjacent organ invasion was noted in 9 cases. Recurrence occurred in 8 cases. The median recurrence time after surgical resection was 67 months and was associated with a higher pT category (P = 0.001), lymphovascular invasion (P < 0.001), and synchronous metastasis (P < 0.001). SPN patients with malignant histologic features had worse recurrence-free survival (RFS; 10-year survival rate, 73.2%) than those without malignant histologic features (96.3%; P = 0.01). Patients with a higher pT category (P = 0.04), synchronous metastasis (P < 0.01), and lymphovascular invasion (P < 0.01) had worse RFS. Lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.042) and a higher T category (P = 0.002) were poor prognostic factors for recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Lymphovascular invasion and a higher T category were worse prognostic factors for recurrence in SPN patients with malignant histologic features. For SPN patients with malignant histologic features, a longer follow-up may be required.

A Review of Clinicopathological Characteristics and Treatment of Solid Pseudopapillary Tumor of the Pancreas with 2450 Cases in Chinese Population

Background

Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas (SPTP) has been reported as a rare disease with low malignant potential. The aim of this study was to summarize experiences of the diagnosis and treatment for the patients reported in the Chinese population.

Method

2450 SPTP cases reported in English and Chinese literature before Jan 2020 were for our review and analysis retrospectively.

Result

There are 389 male cases and 2061 female cases, and the ratio of male/female was 1 : 5.3. The average age was 29.3 years. The main clinical symptoms were upper abdominal pain and bloating discomfort in 51.6% of the cases and epigastric mass. 38.6% of the tumor was located at the head of the pancreas and 55.4% at the body and tail of the pancreas. The most frequent operative styles were tumor enucleation (38.4%). Pathology showed that the average diameter of the tumor was 8.2 cm and 12.3% of SPTP was malignant. 98.3% of cases had favorable survival.

Conclusions

SPTP is a rare indolent tumor occurring mainly in young women, and the main clinical performances are abdominal mass and abdominal pain; most tumors are distributed at the head and the tail of the pancreas; the prognosis after complete resection is excellent.

Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment and Pathological Findings of Solid Pseudopapillary Tumor of the Pancreas: A Single-Institution Experience

Purpose

To investigate the diagnosis, surgical treatment, and pathology of solid pseudopapillary tumors of the pancreas in our institution.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the demographic details, clinical features, imaging findings, and pathological findings of 87 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of solid pseudopapillary tumors of the pancreas (SPTP) and underwent surgery in Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, over a period of 8 years from 2011 to 2018.

Results

Our study involved a total of 87 patients (16 males and 71 females) with a mean age of 31.3±13.1 years (range: 10–61 years). The main compliant was abdominal pain or discomfort (n=49) and the median tumor size was 58.6±31.7 mm (range: 16–156mm). Tumors were located in the head (27 patients, 31%), the neck (13 patients, 15%), and the body and tail (47 patients, 54%). There were no significant differences between the patients in terms of sex, age, or tumor location. Partial pancreatectomy was performed in 79 patients, enucleation in six patients, and total pancreatectomy in two patients. R0 resection was achieved in 86 patients. The postoperative morbidity was 36.8%, and the main complication was pancreatic fistula. Pathological examination and immunohistochemical markers were used to provide a final diagnosis. The main follow-up period was 46 months (range: 13–97 months). At the end of the follow-up period, 86 patients were alive and had not experienced recurrence; one patient was lost to follow-up.

Conclusion

The accurate diagnosis of SPTP is vital. Our data showed that surgical resection is safe and associated with low morbidity and mortality rates. Pathological findings can play an important role in diagnosis and long-term survival.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Pancreatic Cancer by Histological Subtypes

OBJECTIVES

Except pancreatic adenocarcinoma, pancreatic cancer has several uncommon histological subtypes, including invasive intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (pNET), adenosquamous carcinoma, invasive mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN), acinar cell carcinoma (ACC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and invasive solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT). However, features of theses uncommon subtypes are not systematically analyzed.

METHODS

Subjects with different histological subtypes of pancreatic cancers were retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry. Characteristics and behaviors of uncommon subtypes were compared.

RESULTS

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (85.8%) represented most primary pancreatic cancers, and other subtypes were rare (14.2%). Features of uncommon subtypes included females with SPT and MCN, located at the pancreatic body/tail of pNET, SPT, and MCN; poor differentiation of adenosquamous carcinoma and SCC; and large size of MCN, SPT, ACC, and SCC. In addition, IPMN, pNET, MCN, ACC, and SPT were indolent. For indolent subtypes, patients with locoregional tumor had prominent prognosis compared with patients with distant disease, especially for invasive IPMN (median survival, localized, 30.0 months; regional, 11.0 months; distant, 4.0 months).

CONCLUSIONS

The study systematically summarizes characteristics and behaviors of primary pancreatic cancer by histological subtypes, which can facilitate the management of pancreatic cancer.

Management of solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of pancreas: A single center experience of 243 consecutive patients

BACKGROUND

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas (SPN) is a rare neoplasm, which mainly affects young women. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological features and surgical management of SPNs in our institution.

METHODS

Patients who underwent surgery for a pathologically confirmed SPN in our institution between January 2008 and October 2018 were collected. Their clinical characteristics and survival associations were analyzed.

RESULTS

In total, 243 pathologically confirmed patients were analyzed in this study, including 181(74.5%)females and 62(25.5%) males. The mean age was 35.3 years old (range: 12-64 years old) with average tumor size of 4.83 cm (range: 0.8-16 cm). 239 patients underwent complete surgical resection. After median follow-up of 46 months (range: 10-118 months), four patients died due to tumor progression. All the other people were absent of local recurrence or distant metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

SPN is a latent malignant tumor with excellent prognosis. Surgical resection is recommended even in the presence of liver metastasis. If possible, function-preserving surgery is advocated. High Ki67 index may predict the malignant potential and poor prognosis of SPNs.

Analysis of 50 cases of solid pseudopapillary tumor of pancreas: Aggressive surgical resection provides excellent outcomes

INTRODUCTION

This study reports the clinicopathological characteristics and the perioperative and long-term treatment outcomes after aggressive surgical resection in solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT) of the pancreas performed at a high volume center for pancreatic surgery in India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed a prospectively maintained database of the patients operated for SPT at Tata Memorial Hospital, India over a period of 11 years from February 2007 to February 2018.

RESULTS

Fifty consecutive patients operated for SPT, during the study period were included. The median age at presentation was 24 years. Majority of the patients (43/50) were female (86%). Disease was predominantly localized in the head and uncinate process of pancreas (66%). Median tumor size was 7.7 cm (Range 1.6-15 cm). Tumor extent was radiologically defined as borderline resectable or locally advanced in 48% (n = 24) patients. Forty-six major pancreatic resections were performed, which included 10 (21%) vascular resections, 2 synchronous liver metastasectomies, 1 multi visceral resection and 5 total pancreaticosplenectomies. Five of these resections were reoperations in patients deemed inoperable on exploration at other centers. R0 resection was achieved in 47 patients (98%). Postoperative major morbidity was 19% and there was no mortality. At a median follow-up of 29 months (Range, 1-121 months), all patients were alive without any recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Aggressive complete surgical resection of SPT achieves excellent long-term survival. Surgery, especially for large and borderline resectable tumors, can be potentially complex and should be performed at high-volume centers to provide the best chance of cure.

Analysis of 340 Patients with Solid Pseudopapillary Tumors of the Pancreas: A Closer Look at Patients with Metastatic Disease

INTRODUCTION

Current literature addressing the treatment of solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPNs) of the pancreas is limited, particularly for patients with distant metastases. We aimed to define predictive indicators of survival in a large series of patients and assess the outcome of patients with distant metastases.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database was queried for patients diagnosed with SPNs of the pancreas between 1998 and 2011. Single predictor univariate analyses were performed on variables including demographics, tumor characteristics, and surgery outcomes, and multivariate Cox proportional hazards survival analysis was then completed with backward elimination.

RESULTS

Overall, 340 patients were identified: 82% were female, median age was 39 years, and 84% had no comorbidities. Patients undergoing any type of surgical resection experienced long-term survival (85% 8-year survival). Patients undergoing surgical resection (n = 296) had superior survival (hazard ratio [HR] 21 for no surgery, p < 0.0001), as did patients treated at academic centers and those with private insurance (HR 3.9, p = 0.009; HR 4.9, p = 0.007). Sex, age, tumor size, presence of lymph node metastases, positive surgical margins, and presence of distant metastases were not significant predictors of survival in multivariate analysis. Of 24 patients with distant metastases, seven were treated surgically and experienced long-term survival similar to that of patients without metastases treated surgically (HR 2, p = 0.48).

CONCLUSION

SPNs of the pancreas are rare neoplasms with excellent overall survival; however, in a low number of patients they metastasize. Of the few patients with metastatic disease selected for resection, most experienced long-term survival.

Solid pseudopapillary tumors of the pancreas: Specific pathological features predict the likelihood of postoperative recurrence

BACKGROUND

Since their introduction in the WHO classification, the incidence of solid pseudopapillary tumors (SPTs) of the pancreas has progressively increased, mainly because of the widespread use of cross-sectional imaging. Few recent studies have analyzed the biological behavior of SPTs, but reliable data on long-term follow-up are needed.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of two Institutions with high caseload, The Department of General Surgery-Pancreas Institute, University of Verona Hospital Trust and the Department of General Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, was carried out. Data from 131 consecutive resections for SPT performed during the last three decades were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

The majority of patients were female (86.3%) with a median age of 33 (7-68) years. The prevalent location was the pancreatic tail (33.5%). Applying the WHO criteria, 16 (12.2%) SPTs were considered malignant due to the presence of at least pancreatic parenchyma (9.9%), perineural (4.6%), and/or angiovascular invasion (2.3%). After a median of 62 months after surgery, only two patients had a recurrence (1.5%). Both of them fulfilled the WHO criteria for malignant SPT (vs. 10.7% of those who did not recur, P = 0.01), had an infiltrative growth pattern (vs. 10.8%, P = 0.01), pancreatic parenchyma invasion (vs. 9.7%, P = 0.01) and capsular invasion (vs. 4.9%, P = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Overall, SPTs are associated with excellent survival results after surgical resection. Disease recurrence is extremely rare, and might occur if the primary tumor presents with either pancreatic parenchyma or capsule invasion. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:597-601. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The prognosis and clinical characteristics of advanced (malignant) solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas

Until today, there is no consistency about the prognosis and the diagnostic criteria of the "malignant" pancreatic solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (m-SPNs). We here made a retrospective study of 26 such cases and try to give a comprehensive description of their pathological characteristics and clinical course. We found out that among those malignant cases, the most common involved extrapancreatic organ was the duodenum, followed by the spleen and the portal vein. The lymph node and the liver metastasis were also seen in 19 % cases, respectively. Most of the patients were female (22/26). Calcification, foamy cytoplasm, and bizarre nuclei of tumor cells were more common in male patients. Every patient underwent surgical resection and had excellent prognosis. There were two patients who had metastasis to the liver 6 years after excision. The recurrence status correlated with the family history of malignant tumor. No patient died of the disease directly during the mean follow-up time of 73.9 months (21-135 months). Our results supported the idea that the prognosis of the advanced stage SPNs was excellent. The surgical resection seemed effectively enough for these patients. However, all the patients need close follow-ups, especially those who had family history of malignant tumors.

A pancreatic pseudopapillary tumor enucleated curatively

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Pancreatic pseudopapillary tumor is an rarely problem.

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Tumor may be more aggressive at males relatively to females.

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Complete resection is the main treatment option for these tumors.

Introduction

Pseudopapillary tumors (PPT) of the pancreas are very rare, comprising 0.3–2.7% of all pancreatic tumors, and they occur mostly in young women. Generally, they are benign, but in rare cases they can enlarge, invade adjacent organs, and metastasize distantly. Radiological assessments and biochemical markers are important for diagnosing tumor characteristics. The main treatment is tumor resection.

Presentation of case

An 18-year-old female was referred to our department suffering from abdominal discomfort and upper quadrant abdominal pain. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed a 6- × 5-cm mass between the pancreatic head and right adrenal gland (Fig. 1). The histological assessment was a solid PPT of the pancreas with intact surgical borders.

Discussion

PPT are very rare, comprising approximately 5% of cystic pancreatic tumors and ∼1% of exocrine pancreatic neoplasms and present mainly during the second and third decades of life. PPTs are usually indolent tumors. As such, they tend to produce vague nonspecific symptoms or may be detected incidentally on imaging. Complete surgical resection (R0) is the most effective therapy for PPT.

Conclusion

Although PPT is a very rare, benign tumor, it has the potential to metastasize to adjacent and distant organs. Consequently, they should be detected early, so that they can be treated surgically before malignant conversion.

Surgical treatment of solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas and risk factors for malignancy

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to identify clinical predictors of malignancy and surgical strategies for pancreatic solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) by analysis of surgical outcomes at a single institution.

METHODS

All patients who underwent surgery for SPN between 1995 and 2010 were identified. Histopathology slides of all patients were reviewed by a specialized pathologist and the neoplasms were classified according to the criteria of the World Health Organization 2010.

RESULTS

Of the 106 patients identified, 85 (80·2 per cent) were female, and the median age was 36 (range 10-65) years. Median tumour size was 4·5 (range 1·0-15·0) cm. Some 17 patients (16·0 per cent) were classified as having a high-grade malignant SPN. Tumour size of at least 5 cm was associated with high-grade malignant potential (P = 0·022). Although lymph nodes were removed from 40 patients (37·7 per cent), there were no nodal metastases. A total of five patients underwent en bloc resection of adjacent structures, including two with portal vein involvement. After a median follow-up of 56·9 months, two patients with high-grade malignant SPN had evidence of tumour recurrence in the lymph nodes and liver.

CONCLUSION

SPN with a diameter of 5 cm or more is associated with a high-grade malignant phenotype. Complete surgical removal is associated with low recurrence rates.

Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas in male patients: Report of 16 cases

AIM: To investigate the clinical characteristics, surgical strategies and prognosis of solid pseudopapillary tumors (SPTs) of the pancreas in male patients.

METHODS: From July 2003 to March 2013, 116 patients were diagnosed with SPT of the pancreas in our institution. Of these patients, 16 were male. The patients were divided into two groups based on gender: female (group 1) and male (group 2). The groups were compared with regard to demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, surgical strategies, complications and follow-up outcomes.

RESULTS: Male patients were older than female patients (43.1 ± 12.3 years vs 33.1 ± 11.5 years, P = 0.04). Tumor size, location, and symptoms were comparable between the two groups. All patients, with the exception of one, underwent complete surgical resection. The patients were regularly followed up. The mean follow-up period was 58 mo. Two female patients (1.7%) developed tumor recurrence or metastases and required a second resection, and two female patients (1.7%) died during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION: Male patients with SPT of the pancreas are older than female patients. There are no significant differences between male and female patients regarding surgical strategies and prognosis.

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas: a report of two cases

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas are uncommon, accounting for only 1-2% of all pancreatic neoplasms. These tumors are being detected at an increased rate, probably due to the increased awareness and the liberal use of imaging. We report two cases of patients with solid pseudopapillary pancreatic tumors and review the existing literature.

Surgical management and long-term follow-up of solid pseudopapillary tumor of pancreas: a large series from a single institution

OBJECTIVE

We summarized the diagnosis, surgical strategies, and long-term follow-up outcomes in our large series of solid pseudopapillary tumors (SPTs) of pancreas.

METHODS

In this retrospective analysis, we collected data pertaining to pancreatic SPTs diagnosed in 115 patients between July 2003 and February 2013.We analyzed the demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, operative strategies, perioperative details, and follow-up outcomes.

RESULTS

Abdominal pain was the most frequent symptom (40.0%). The most frequent location of SPT was pancreatic tail (36.5%). We performed 33 cases of pancreaticoduodenectomy, 15 cases of middle pancreatectomy, 19 cases of distal pancreatectomy with spleen preservation, 28 cases of distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy, and 18 cases of enucleation. Two patients suffered tumor recurrence and required a second resection of the recurrent tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

Complete resection of the tumor is associated with good survival, even in patients with vessel involvement or metastases. In patients with tumor recurrence, a second resection resulted in long-term survival.

Solid-pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas: cytomorphologic findings and literature review

BACKGROUND

Solid-pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) is a rare pancreatic malignancy with an excellent prognosis. It is most commonly diagnosed in young women. This article comprehensively reviews the clinical, pathological and radiological features of this neoplasm, as well as its clinical management.

METHODS

A literature review of SPN was performed of all articles published in the English language in PubMed prior to November 1, 2013. Cytomorphological features, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, patient general demographics, molecular studies, radiologic imaging and clinical management were reviewed.

RESULTS

SPN displays distinct cytomorphological features on fine-needle aspiration - thin, delicate, branching vessels in a 'Chinese character' pattern lined by one to several layers of loosely cohesive neoplastic cells. Nuclear features include indented or grooved nuclei with an evenly distributed chromatin pattern and small inconspicuous nucleoli. SPN is characteristically immunoreactive for CD10, β-catenin (in an abnormal nuclear pattern), CD99 in a perinuclear dot-like pattern, α1-antitrypsin, and progesterone receptor. Almost all SPNs harbor an activating point mutation in exon 3 of the β-catenin gene (CTNNB1). Clinicopathological features generally do not correlate with prognosis, and most patients experience excellent long-term survival.

CONCLUSIONS

SPN can mimic other neoplasms of the pancreas, which can lead to diagnostic challenges in a limited cytologic specimen. Distinct cytomorphological features can help distinguish SPNs from other pancreatic neoplasms. Complete surgical resection as well as resection of metastatic disease is preferred given a low rate of tumor recurrence and long periods of disease-free intervals.

Management of Metastatic Solid Pseudopapillary Cancer of the Pancreas: A Case Report

Solid pseudopapillary tumors (SPT) of the pancreas are rare neoplasms predominantly found in females. The tumors are often histologically benign and patient outcomes are correspondingly favorable. This report presents the case of a 21-year-old woman who presented with metachronous metastatic SPT, and details the diagnosis and management of this patient. The patient underwent a distal pancreatectomy for resection of the primary neoplasm with negative margins. A surveillance ultrasound performed at 43 months post-operatively revealed new hepatic lesions; these lesions were surgically resected and pathologically demonstrated to be metastatic SPT of the pancreas. This case report demonstrates the potential for latent metastasis of resected SPT, imaging characteristics of metastatic disease, the need for surveillance of patients following resection of SPT of the pancreas and a review of relevant literature on SPT.