Sonographic findings of solid and papillary epithelial neoplasm of the pancreas

Objective. To evaluate the sonographic findings of solid and papillary epit helial neoplasm of the pancreas, a rare tumor occurring in young women. Met hods. The sonographic findings of 11 cases of pathologically proven solid a nd papillary epithelial neoplasm of the pancreas were retrospectively evalu ated. Results. In 6 cases (55%), combined cystic and solid portions of the masses were observed, whereas only solid-looking masses without anechoic cy stic portions were seen in 4 cases (36%). One case (9%) had marginal calcif ication, consequently, the internal architecture was not evaluated by sonog raphy. Internal echoes were seen in 3 of 6 cystic and solid masses. Septa w ere seen in 3 cases. Among 11 cases of solid and papillary epithelial neopl asm, tumor margins were well defined in 10, and tumor capsules were detecte d in 9 (echogenic in 7 and hypoechoic in 2). Calcifications were seen in 3 cases (27%). Conclusions. The characteristic sonographic findings of solid and papillary epithelial neoplasm were well-encapsulated, cystic, and solid masses, but sometimes the mass was seen as a pure solid-looking mass or ha d internal septations or calcifications.