Primary acinar cell carcinoma of the body and tail of the pancreas in a child: A rare case report

Abstract

Acinar cell carcinoma (ACC) of the pancreas is a rare neoplasm which is mostly diagnosed in late adulthood. This study aims to report an incidental finding of ACC in a child who was treated successfully with surgery. A 9-year-old male presented with signs of delayed growth. Physical examination revealed a swelling in the left upper abdomen, which was shown to be a pancreatic tumor on a CT scan. Total surgical excision of the neoplasm was performed and the histopathology report confirmed the diagnosis of ACC. Pancreatic ACC is very rarely reported in children and its signs and symptoms are non-specific. Its diagnosis needs a high index of suspicion and CT scan is a good imaging modality for detection. Resectable tumors are best managed with complete removal of the cancer, while unresectable neoplasms can be treated with chemotherapy. However, treatment guidelines and prognosis of pancreatic ACC are not clear in pediatric age groups due to scarcity of reports. Accidental finding of ACC involving the body and tail of the pancreas is extremely rare in children. Early detection and proper management provide an excellent outcome.