SOLID AND PAPILLARY EPITHELIAL NEOPLASM OF THE PANCREAS, DIAGNOSIS BYCYTOLOGY

In this paper, I report a rare, low-grade malignant tumor, solid and p apillary epithelial neoplasm of the pancreas (SPENP). I also discuss a nd review 157 previously reported cases. Unlike other malignant tumors of the pancreas, this neoplasm is typically found in young women, doe s not have metastases, and is amenable to cure after complete surgical resection. I discuss clinical features, diagnostic procedures, and di fferential diagnosis. Fine-needle aspiration can be effective in obtai ning a preoperative diagnosis of SPENP, since the tumor has characteri stic cytologic features. Also, use of clinical data, ultrasonography s tudies, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, arteriography , and cytologic findings in the preoperative workup are important in o btaining an accurate diagnosis. Although potentially curable, late met astases and current inability to predict aggressive behavior by some t umors require lengthy follow-up.