Aggressive Adult Pancreatoblastoma with Early Recurrence: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Pancreatoblastoma (PB) is a rare malignant epithelial tumor of the pancreas, mainly occurring in pediatric population. Pancreatoblastoma of the adult is extremely rare and usually shows a more aggressive biological behavior and a worse prognosis. Case Presentation: The patient was a 54-year-old man admitted for abdominal pain and weight loss. A computed tomography (CT) scan showed a 12 cm heterogeneous hypoattenuating mass in the pancreatic head. An endoscopic ultrasound-guided biopsy suggested the diagnosis of pancreatoblastoma (PB). The patient underwent a pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) combined with limited liver resections for intraoperative finding of multiple liver metastasis. Pathological findings confirmed the diagnosis of PB metastatic to the liver. The tumor recurred in the liver 5 months after surgery and the patient succumbed due to tumor dissemination 8 months after initial diagnosis. Conclusion: Adult pancreatoblastoma is a rare pancreatic neoplasm with malignant behavior. The aim of this manuscript is to report our experience with pancreatoblastoma in the adult and to contribute improving knowledge about the clinical behavior of this rare and aggressive malignancy.