[Solid pseudopapillary pancreas tumors--often neglected]

Radiologe. 2008 Aug;48(8):764-9. doi: 10.1007/s00117-008-1673-2.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Solid pseudopapillary tumors of the pancreas (SPTP) are rare tumors of the pancreas with low malignancy potential and a very good prognostic outcome after surgery. They typically occur in young women or adolescents and consist of solid, cystic and cystic-hemorrhagic components.Imaging findings in these tumors are characteristic and include a fibrotic capsule with a clear delineation and exhibit solid and cystic-hemorrhagic signal and density characteristics. Calcifications may be present in the periphery of the tumor. The tumor capsule shows contrast enhancement, the solid components in the periphery enhance in the early phase and gradually and inhomogeneously in late phases. MRI is superior to CT and other imaging modalities for characterization of SPTP. Awareness and knowledge of this tumor entity with an excellent prognosis is crucial to guide the patient towards effective, predominantly organ-sparing surgical treatment.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma, Papillary / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*