Frantz-Gruber Tumor, An Infrecuent Solid Pseudopapillary Tumor Of The Pancreas

Abstract

The Frantz-Gruber tumor is a rare solid pseudopapilar mass of the pancreas characterized for its low malignant potential, first described by Franz in 1959.1 It occurs mainly in women

Servicio de Cirugia, Hospital San Rafael de Alajuela, Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social
Abreviaturas: BAAF, Biopsia por aspiración con aguja fina; OMS, Organización Mundial de la Salud; TAC, tomografía axial computarizada; TPP, tumor pseudopapilar de páncreas; US, ultrasonido. Correspondencia: Humberto Álvarez Pertuz. Correo electrónico: [email protected]
ISSN 0001-6002/2011/53/3/151-153
Acta Médica Costarricense, ©2011
Colegio de Médicos y Cirujanos
between the third and fourth decades of life. Symptoms are determined by a mass effect, commonly non-specific abdominal pain and fullness sensation. Radiological diagnosis is mainly based on CT scan and Magnetic Resonance, while the histological findings confirm the clinical suspicion. Surgical management is recommended in most of the cases and implies complete resection of the tumor. Liver metastasis are not uncommon. Five year survival rates are about 90%.2 We report the clinical case of a 15 year-old boy with negative personal or surgical history who came into the emergency room with epigastric pain and vomiting. An abdominal ultrasound showed a tumor localized in the tail of the pancreas, this was confirmed by CT scan. An endoscopic ultrasound showed a cystic mass with solid content. Facing this situation, surgical approach was decided. An exploratory laparotomy was performed and a mixed solid cystic tumor was found. A distal pancreatectomy plus splenectomy was performed. Postoperative course and follow-up where uneventful.