Karate Injury Leads to Rare Pancreatic Tumour Detection and Life-Saving Surgery in 10-Year-Old

A 10-year-old girl’s abdominal injury during a karate session led to the accidental discovery of a rare pancreatic tumour, enabling timely surgery and successful recovery, doctors in Pune confirmed.

March 21 | Pune In a remarkable case highlighting the importance of timely medical evaluation, a 10-year-old girl in Pune was diagnosed with a rare pancreatic tumour following an abdominal injury sustained during a karate class. Doctors said the injury prompted further investigation, ultimately leading to the life-saving discovery. The child was initially brought in for examination after experiencing persistent abdominal pain following the incident. Medical experts at a private hospital in Baner conducted detailed imaging tests, which revealed the presence of a mass in the pancreas. Subsequent investigations confirmed it to be a solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN), a rare and typically low-grade malignant tumour that is more commonly observed in adolescent girls and young women.

According to doctors, the tumour had not shown any prior symptoms and was detected incidentally during evaluation of the injury. Specialists noted that such tumours can remain asymptomatic for long periods, making early detection challenging without thorough diagnostic procedures.A team of surgeons carried out a complex central pancreatectomy, a specialised procedure designed to remove the tumour while preserving as much of the pancreas as possible. This approach was chosen over more extensive surgeries to maintain the organ’s function, especially given the patient’s young age.

Medical experts highlighted that the surgery posed challenges due to the pancreas’ proximity to major blood vessels and the higher surgical risks in children. However, the operation was completed successfully by a multidisciplinary team, ensuring minimal complications.The child has since recovered well and resumed her normal daily activities, doctors said. They emphasised that early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention play a critical role in achieving favourable outcomes in such rare cases.The case serves as an important reminder for parents and caregivers to seek prompt medical attention for persistent symptoms, even when they appear minor, as they may sometimes indicate underlying conditions

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