title: Pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas. An algorithmic approach.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Solid-cystic pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas is a rare tumor, but has favorable prognosis even in the presence of distant metastases. It is often associated with diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
  
  
  METHODS
  Described are two cases of solid-cystic pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas managed in our hospital between January 2000 and January 2010. One female and one male with mean age of 42 years (range: 33 to 51 years). Data collected were: presenting symptoms, signs, imaging and management. Literature review was obtained from computer generated MEDLINE and Google Scholar search for solid-cystic pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas between 1980 and 2010. Articles relevant to the scope of this paper were selected. The incidence of solid-cystic pseudopapillary tumors of the pancreas in our institution is 2 cases in 10 years; i.e., 0.2 cases/year. Clinical presentation include; palpable abdominal mass, vague abdominal discomfort, increasing abdominal girth, significant weight loss, nausea and vomiting in both patients. The mean diameter of the tumors was 7.0 cm (range: 5.9 to 8.0 cm). Pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed on both patients. None received adjuvant therapy and no cancer recurrence was detected on follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Solid-cystic pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas is a rare tumor with a favorable prognosis even with distant metastases; therefore, attempts must be made to differentiate it from other pancreatic neoplasms. Clinical and radiological studies alone are insufficient to establish the diagnosis of a pancreatic mass and tissue biopsy should be sought. Surgery is generally curative and should be pursued independent of size and distant metastases.
authors.affiliation: Saint Peter's University Hospital, New Brunswick, NJ, USA. uyi80@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Osamuyimen
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Igbinosa
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000465:Algorithms; D002291:Carcinoma, Papillary / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010179:Pancreas / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D016577:Pancreaticoduodenectomy; D016896:Treatment Outcome