Pancreatic metastasis of a pleuropulmonary blastoma in an adult

Abstract

Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a rare dysontogenetic tumor that usually develops in the first decade of life and has been recognized as a distinct clinico-pathological entity different from the ordinary pulmonary blastoma of adulthood. Since the tumor grows aggressively and tends to metastasize early, physicians have to be aware of late onset of symptoms and uncommon manifestations. We report a case of PPB in a young adult and its recurrence in the pancreas after primary surgical treatment and adjuvant chemotherapy. Keeping in mind the moderate prognosis of PPB in children, accurate assessment and treatment of PPB require a team approach of oncology, radiology and surgery to establish new therapeutic guidelines in the future.