Solid-pseudopapillary carcinoma of the pancreas

A case of solid-pseudopapillary carcinoma (SPC) of the pancreas in a 34-yea r-old Japanese woman is presented. An abdominal ultrasonography revealed a mass, which measured 10 cm in diameter, in the body and tail of the pancrea s, The tumor was resected and it was originally diagnosed as a non-function ing islet cell tumor. One year and five months later, the patient was re-ad mitted to hospital, and liver metastasis was confirmed by ultrasonography. The patient died 6 days after the second transcatheter arterial embolizatio n (TAE) required for the metastasis, The autopsy showed small foci of liver metastasis, A retrospective examination of the tumor suggested the diagnos is of SPC because of its characteristic solid and pseudopapillary structure s, immunohistochemical findings, and liver metastasis. This case suggests t hat capsular invasion, specifically found at the surgical margin of the per itoneal side, may be an important pathological finding that is suggestive o f malignant potential in solid-pseudopapillary tumor. If there is such a fi nding in a surgical specimen, an intensive follow up should be advised to t he clinician.