Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas: a case series of 9 patients.

Background/aims: Solid pseudopapillary tumor is a rare exocrine tumor of the pancreas. There is no clear consensus on its etiology, origin and treatment. In this study, the clinical, pathological and immunohistochemical features of nine patients with solid pseudopapillary tumor were re-evaluated in view of the current literature findings.

Materials And Methods: We studied nine cases diagnosed with solid pseudopapillary tumor between 2005 and 2010. The clinical, pathological and laboratory data were analyzed.

Results: On microscopy, all tumors had well-defined borders and were separated from surrounding pancreatic tissue by a thick fibrous capsule. The tumor consisted mainly of pseudopapillary structures with focal solid areas accompanied by wide hemorrhagic and cystic regions. The typical morphological features were present to varying degrees. Of the nine cases, one relapsed approximately two years after the diagnosis, and our laboratory also evaluated the surgical specimen of local recurrence.

Conclusions: While some new light has been shed on the clinicopathological features of solid pseudopapillary tumor concerning its etiology, origin and treatment methods, there is much to be understood. Further studies focusing on genetics, pathogenesis and prognosis are needed for a better understanding of this entity.