Pancreatoblastoma

A rare malignant epithelial neoplasm arising from the pancreas. The vast majority of cases occur during childhood. It is characterized by acinar differentiation, the formation of squamoid corpuscles, and the formation of stromal bands. Patients may present with an abdominal mass. Symptoms include pain, weight loss, and diarrhea. It may metastasize to lymph nodes, liver, and distant anatomic sites. Children who do not have metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis usually have a favorable clinical outcome when treated with a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. However, children with metastatic disease at presentation or adult patients usually have a poor prognosis.