pseudOpapillary neOplasm Of the pancreas

Solid-pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPN) are rare tumours of the pancreas. Distant metastases and/or local recurrence following surgical resection occur in 10% to 15% of patients with SPN. In the present study, we aimed to systematically examine the usefulness of virtually all histopathological features of SPN which were previously considered potential risk factors of clinically aggressive behaviour of SPN following surgical resection. Seventeen SPN were included. None of the cases had an undifferentiated component. Follow-up data were available for 14 patients (median 52 months). One patient developed liver metastasis 17 months after resection of the primary tumour and fulfilled the criteria of a clinically aggressive disease. None of the histopathological features allowed identification of that case with an adequate diagnostic yield. At present, histopathological examination cannot identify patients who may develop tumour recurrence following resection of the primary lesion. A close follow-up should be offered to all patients treated for SPN.