Solid-Pseudo papillary Tumor of the Pancreas (Frantz Tumor): Case Report of a Rare Pancreatic Tumor in Ethiopia

Solid-pseudopapillary tumor (SPT) of the pancreas is an extremely rare neoplasm in children, with an unknown origin. It accounts for 8% to 12% of primary pancreatic tumors and predominantly affects young females (91%), with very few cases reported in males. Malignant potential is minimal, particularly in adolescents. We report a 12-year-old child presenting with abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting, appetite loss, weight loss, pruritus, jaundice, dark urine, and back pain. Examination revealed a distended abdomen moving with respiration and a firm, tender 15 cm × 20 cm mass in the right upper quadrant. CT imaging demonstrated a large heterogeneously enhancing mass arising from the pancreatic head, consistent with SPT. Surgical therapy remains the treatment of choice, with partial duodenopancreatectomy or distal pancreatectomy (spleen-preserving when possible) recommended for complete excision. Although the body and tail are more commonly affected, complete resection (R0) offers excellent prognosis, even with local invasion or metastasis.