Organ-preserving enucleation in a case of solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of pancreas

Abstract

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) is a rare pancreatic tumor affecting mostly females in the second or third decade of life. These tumors have a low malignant potential, and hence, surgical resection remains the main treatment. Large tumors may present with compressive symptoms such as abdominal pain or vomiting. Once resected completely, SPNs usually have an excellent long-term prognosis. We report a 16-year-old girl who presented with vomiting and abdominal pain localized to the right upper quadrant. Imaging showed an encapsulated tumor arising from the pancreatic head which prompted us to perform organ-preserving enucleation. Histopathology confirmed the tumor as an SPN.