| Abstract: |
Solid-pseudopapillary tumors are uncommon neoplasms of low malignant potential generally occurring in young women. They often cause few symptoms and may reach a large size by the time they are detected. Degenerative cystic changes are common, and the clinical presentation is often that of a cystic pancreatic tumor. Pathological features include solid, cellular, hypervascular regions without gland formation, and degenerative pseudopapillae. The cells contain eosinophilic granules rich in alpha-1- antitrypsin and the nuclei are typically grooved. Despite its characteristic microscopic appearance, the immunophenotype (positive for vimentin, alpha-1- antitrypsin, and neuron specific enolase) is not specific and does not identify a line of differentiation corresponding to any normal pancreatic cell type. Ultrastructural studies have also failed to identify specific differentiated features. Nonetheless, the biological behavior of solid- pseudopapillary tumor is well established. The tumor is indolent, with infrequent metastases to liver or peritoneum and usually long survival, even in the presence of disseminated disease. (C) 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company. |
