A recent case report published in Volume 13 of Oncoscience on February 7, 2026, details the diagnosis and treatment of a rare calcified solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) of the pancreas. The report was authored by Faten Limaiem from Hospital Mongi Slim La Marsa in Tunisia and co-author Mohamed Hajri.
The patient described in the report is a 31-year-old woman who experienced progressive pain in her right upper abdomen. Imaging studies revealed a large mass, measuring approximately 12.5 × 9 × 8 centimeters, located in the head of the pancreas. The mass displayed both solid and cystic areas with unusually coarse calcifications.
The patient underwent a cephalic pancreaticoduodenectomy, commonly known as a Whipple procedure. Histological examination and immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the diagnosis of SPN, showing nuclear β-catenin and CD10 positivity.
"Complete surgical resection remains the definitive treatment and yields an excellent prognosis, even in large, calcified cases," stated the authors.
Imaging with contrast CT and MRI showed that while the tumor was well-encapsulated and heterogeneous, it did not invade surrounding organs or major blood vessels. Tumor markers CEA and CA19-9 were within normal limits. Pathological findings included cystic degeneration, hemorrhage, coarse calcifications, classic solid and pseudopapillary architecture under microscopy, and low mitotic activity.
Following surgery, the patient's recovery was uneventful. She remained free of recurrence at five months post-operation. The case highlights how SPN can resemble other types of pancreatic tumors due to its size and heavy calcification but typically has indolent behavior when examined histologically.
According to the authors, SPN accounts for less than three percent of exocrine pancreatic tumors and primarily affects young women. While extensive calcification is rare among these tumors, it should be considered part of their spectrum rather than an indicator of aggressive disease. They recommend multidisciplinary evaluation for patients diagnosed with SPN as well as long-term follow-up—at least five years—to monitor for possible recurrence.
"Complete surgical resection remains the definitive treatment and yields an excellent prognosis, even in large, calcified cases."
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