Abstract
IntroductionSolid pseudo-papillary tumors of the pancreas are rare and typically present in young female patients. They are slowly growing masses that may attain large size, and are of low malignant potential. Surgical resection is usually curative.Case presentationA 71-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with an episode of hematemesis but was otherwise hemodynamically stable. Emergency gastroscopy revealed a bleeding mass projecting to the duodenum. Fluid, blood and electrolyte resuscitation followed. Computed tomography revealed a small mass in the head of the pancreas. A Whipple operation was performed. Pathology revealed a solid pseudo-papillary tumor. The postoperative course of the patient was uneventful and no recurrence was present a year after the operation.ConclusionIn our case, the most noteworthy observations concern the small size of the tumor, the age of the patient and the presenting symptom. However, pancreaticoduodenectomy in a 71-year-old woman is a major effort and should only be undertaken by centers and surgeons experienced in complex hepatobiliary surgery. Furthermore, the unique nature of this case reminds every clinician that each patient has to be considered separately and with extreme caution.
Highlights
Solid pseudo-papillary tumors of the pancreas are rare and typically present in young female patients
Solid pseudo-papillary tumor (SPT) of the pancreas are typically present in young female patients
In most cases (~80%), SPTs present either as a mass or as pain, while the tumor is asymptomatic in about 15% of the cases [2]
Summary
The most noteworthy observations concern the small size of the tumor, the age of the patient and the presenting symptom. The unique nature of this case reminds every clinician that each patient has to be considered separately and with extreme caution
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