Unveiling the enigma: A comprehensive exploration of 4 cases of solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas

Abstract

Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas (SPTP) is a rare exocrine pancreatic neoplasm accounting for less than 2% of cases, predominantly affecting young women. This article presents 4 cases of SPTP occurring in women aged 19-33 years, all with tumors located in the head of the pancreas and varying in size from 5 cm to 11 cm. Three patients presented with abdominal pain, and one was asymptomatic with incidental discovery during pregnancy. Imaging revealed well-defined, encapsulated pancreatic masses with cystic components and no signs of vascular invasion or metastasis. All patients underwent surgical resection-3 with Whipple's procedure and one with tumor enucleation-and histopathology confirmed SPTP. Postoperative recovery was uneventful in all cases, and no recurrence was noted during follow-ups ranging from 2 to 5 years. These cases underscore the importance of considering SPTP in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic masses in young women and highlight the excellent prognosis following complete surgical excision.