Diagnosis and treatment of solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas ( a report of 6 cases)

Abstract

Objective To discuss the diagnosis and treatment of the solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas(SPTP). Methods Six consecutive cases operated in our hospital from Aug. 2008 to Apr. 2010were reviewed. Results Those cases aged ranging from 17 to 31 years, with an average age of 21.8 years.The maximal dimension of tumor ranged from 6.6 to 13.0 cm, averaging 8.2 cm. Those tumors originated from pancreatic head (2), and body or tail (4). Abdominal B-ultrasound or CT scan examination disclosed that pancreas had solid-cystic mass in 4 cases, and the other two had solidmass. All tumors were resected completely and defined pathologically. We performed 5 open operations, including pancreaticoduodenectomy (2 cases), spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (2 cases) and distal pancreatectomy plus splenectomy (1 case). One case underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy plus splenectomy. Conclusions The young females are more likely suffered from the SPTP than others, which usually has a clear boundary and large volume. The abdominal B-ultrasound and CT scan are important diagnostic methods. The surgical modality of pancreatectomy is dependent on the tumor's location and extent, furthermore the resectability of SPTP is high. It is possible to perform a spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy for tumors located in pancreatic body or tail. Key words: Solid pseudopapillary tumor; Pancreas; Diagnosis; Treatment