To report two cases of ectopic pancreas in biological sisters and highlight the diagnostic challenges it poses when mimicking gastrointestinal subepithelial tumors.
Approach:
Method: label
Method: text
Key Findings:
Both cases were initially misdiagnosed as gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) based on imaging, with GIST considered the leading preoperative diagnosis.
Histopathological examination confirmed ectopic pancreas in both cases, showing mature pancreatic acini, ducts, and islets.
Case 1 showed no recurrence by April 2026, while Case 2 had no obvious symptoms during short-term follow-up.
Interpretation:
Ectopic pancreas can closely mimic GIST and other gastrointestinal tumors, complicating preoperative diagnosis. Histopathological confirmation is essential for accurate diagnosis.
Limitations:
The study does not provide evidence for hereditary origin or familial clustering despite the patients being biological sisters.
Long-term recurrence and postoperative complications could not be fully assessed due to the short follow-up period.
Conclusion:
Ectopic pancreas can present as tumor-like lesions in the gastrointestinal tract, necessitating careful histopathological evaluation for diagnosis.