Long-term survival following resection of a solid pseudopapillary tumour of the pancreas with arterial and venous encasement

Abstract

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPNs) of the pancreas (also known as Franz tumours) are rare, representing 1%–2% of pancreatic tumours. They are of exocrine gland origin and are more prevalent in women under the age of 30. They are classified as low-grade malignancies and are usually treated with surgery.We present the case of a young woman who was found to have a pancreatic head lesion obstructing the superior mesenteric vein and encasing the superior mesenteric artery. Diagnosis of SPN was confirmed on histology. Initially deemed unresectable due to vascular encasement, the patient received neoadjuvant chemotherapy to downstage the tumour. This was unsuccessful. Given the patient’s young age and lack of other options, surgery was performed. Instead of vascular resection, the tumour was split and peeled off the superior mesenteric artery giving an R1 resection. The patient has achieved long-term recurrence free survival at 10 years.