A False Pancreatic Tumor

Abstract

Introduction: Accessory(s) spleen(s) is the most frequent congenital anomaly of this organ. It`s atypical location, dimensions, the limitation of diagnostic procedures and the controversy regarding the treatment motivated the presentation of this case.

Methods: Patient, 57 years, admited by syncope and dyspepsia. Diagnostic examinations showed a nodule in the uncinate process of the pancreas (3,3 x 2,6 cm) and an adjacent lymph node (2,1 x 1,1 cm). Without having a specific diagnosis, coeliotomy was helded and enucleation of the lesion was made, with histologic study that revealed “spleen tissue with expansion of the white pulp” and excision of a inter- cavo-aortic lymph node.

Results: The histologic study revealed: “normal spleen tissue” and “reactive lymph node”.

Conclusions: The possibility of dealing with an accessory spleen should always be considered in cases of intra-abdominal tumour formations.

Keywords: Accessory spleen, Splenosis, Pancreatic tumor