Solid pseudopapillary Tumor of the Pancreas: Radiological and surgical review.

Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasms of the pancreas are rare pancreatic tumors with low-grade malignant potential, typically affecting young females. In this review, we discuss the surgical anatomy; the imaging characteristics, and image reporting essentials for proper surgical planning along with the atypical features which should caution the physician regarding the risk of malignancy. We also discuss the common surgical procedures and organ preservation surgeries along with a comprehensive review of the literature. • Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasms of the pancreas are rare pancreatic tumors with low grade malignant potential, typically affecting young females. • Small SPNs (< 3cm in diameter) usually appear as completely solid tumors with sharp margins and gradually enhancing, well encapsulated masses in the pancreas and may demonstrate varying amounts of hemorrhage. • Large lesions have mixed solid – cystic components showing early weak enhancement with gradual increase in enhancement in the hepatic venous phase. • Atypical features including extracapsular, as well as parenchymal invasion, simulation of islet cell tumors, calcifications, ductal obstruction, and metastasis are suspicious for malignant degradation. • The tumor is considered unresectable in the event that it invades or encases the aorta, encases >180 degree of the SMA regardless of tumor location in the pancreas, abuts the celiac artery (when the tumor is located in the pancreatic head) or encases >180 degree of the celiac artery (when the tumor is located in the body/tail of the pancreas). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]