Pune, Mar 13th: Cancer Surgeons at Manipal Hospitals, Baner, Pune, successfully removed a rare pancreatic tumour in a 10–year–old girl, marking one of the youngest reported cases of Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasm (SPN) of the pancreas in India. The tumour, which had caused no symptoms, was discovered incidentally after the child sustained a blunt abdominal injury during a karate class at school.
Further investigations, including imaging and biopsy, confirmed the diagnosis of solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN), a rare, low-grade malignant tumour of the pancreas that is associated with an excellent prognosis when completely removed. SPN [1]accounts for only about 1–3% of all pancreatic tumours and affects less than one person per ten lakh each year. It is seen more commonly in young females, usually in their teens to thirties, and is rarely diagnosed in younger children. The diagnosis came as a shock to the parents, as the child had no prior symptoms and was otherwise active, attending school and carrying out routine activities normally. The family consulted several hospitals before deciding to proceed with surgery.
While speaking about this case, Dr. Amit Parasnis, HOD and Consultant – Surgical Oncology, Manipal Hospital, Baner, said “After assessing the pancreatic anatomy during surgery, we performed a central pancreatectomy and were able to preserve the duodenum and part of the pancreas instead of carrying out a more extensive Whipple’s procedure. The surgery was technically challenging because the pancreas lies close to major blood vessels, and children have a lower tolerance for blood loss. However, the tumour was removed safely with minimal bleeding, and pancreatic function was preserved. The patient recovered well, has resumed school and routine activities, and is expected to lead a normal life.”
Pancreatic tumours can remain asymptomatic for long periods and may sometimes be detected incidentally. Timely evaluation and multidisciplinary care are important for managing rare conditions, even in young children.
Mr. Anand Mote, Cluster Director, Manipal Hospital, Baner, Pune said, our multidisciplinary team of professionals, who provide advanced cancer therapy, gastroenterology, and pediatric surgery combined with cutting-edge technology and compassion, makes this service possible. At Manipal Hospitals, our focus remains on providing safe, effective, and patient-centric care, especially in challenging and rare cases.”
The surgery was successfully performed by Dr. Amit Parasnis- Surgical Oncology, along with Dr. Ashish Pathak – Anesthesiologist, Dr. Pooja Gire – Pediatrics Intensivist, and the multidisciplinary team.
