Clinical analysis of childhood pancreatoblastoma arising from the tail of the pancreas

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2012 Jul;34(5):e177-81. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0b013e318253f0e1.

Abstract

Pancreatoblastoma is a rare pancreatic tumor. In this study, 3 cases of childhood pancreatoblastoma that arise from the tail of the pancreas were reported. Abdominal pain and vomiting were observed in 1 case considering the huge size of the tumor. The other 2 patients, who were previously well, complained of a mass in the abdomen after a casual physical examination. Elevated serum α-fetoprotein levels were noted in all cases. Imaging findings indicated a well-defined heterogeneous large mass in the left retroperitoneal space. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a large mass, arising from the tail of the pancreas. Surgery alone with complete excision of the masses was performed. Immunohistochemical staining showed that only α-fetoprotein was positive in all cases. All of these 3 cases have a good outcome in the follow-up without adjuvant chemotherapy. These data suggest that the diagnosis of pancreatoblastoma is difficult and should be suspected at palpation of an abdominal mass. α-Fetoprotein may serve as a tumor marker for preoperative diagnosis and postoperative recurrence. Pancreatoblastoma arising from the tail of the pancreas is a curable tumor, and adjuvant chemotherapy may not be necessary if the tumor can be excised completely.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / surgery
  • alpha-Fetoproteins / analysis

Substances

  • alpha-Fetoproteins

Supplementary concepts

  • Pancreatoblastoma