What is a pancreatic solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN)?
A pancreatic SPN is a rare neoplasm of low-grade malignant potential, which is typically encountered in young (20- to 30-year-old) women. Eighty-five percent have an indolent biologic behavior, whereas 15% are associated with presence of distant metastatic disease. On cross-sectional imaging, a large round encapsulated mass with cystic and solid enhancing components is typically seen, most often in the pancreatic tail. Very high attenuation calcification may be present in 30% ( Figure 30-17 ). Complete surgical resection is generally performed for treatment.
