Serous cystadenoma of the pancreas communicating with a pancreatic duct

Summary Conclusion To differentiate serous cystadenoma from other cystic lesions communicating with the pancreatic duct, careful radiological examination is necessary. Background Communication between the cystic cavity and the pancreatic duct in an ordinary serous cystadenoma is uncommon, although it is not uncommon in other cystic lesions, such as pseudocyst, mucinous cystadenoma/adenocarcinoma, and intraductal papillary tumor. Methods A serous cystadenoma of the pancreas communicating with main pancreatic duct in a 76-yr-old male is reported. Results The communication was preoperatively demonstrated by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and confirmed by histopathological examination of the resected specimen.     

EUS in the evaluation of pancreatic cystic lesions

BACKGROUND: The differential diagnosis in pancreatic cystic lesions is often difficult despite the availability of various modern imaging modalities. This study assessed the role of EUS in the following: (1) discrimination of pseudocysts from pancreatic cystic tumors, (2) differential diagnosis between serous cystadenoma and mucinous cystic tumor, and (3) prediction of accompanying malignancy in intraductal papillary mucinous tumor. METHODS: EUS findings in 75 patients with pancreatic cystic lesions (58 cystic tumors, 17 pseudocysts) were evaluated. In the comparison of pseudocysts and cystic tumors, the latter included intraductal papillary mucinous tumor, mucinous cystic tumors, and serous cystadenomas, but not solid-pseudopapillary tumors. RESULTS: In univariate analysis, pseudocysts exhibited echogenic debris and parenchymal changes more often than cystic tumors did (respectively, 29% vs. 6%, p < 0.05; and 65% vs. 4%, p < 0.001). In contrast, septa and mural nodules were found more frequently in cystic tumors than pseudocysts (respectively, 69% vs. 12%, p < 0.001; 56% vs. 12%, p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed that parenchymal changes (odds ratio [OR] = 83.59; p < 0.01); septa (OR = 30.75; p < 0.05); and mural nodules (OR = 21.38; p < 0.05) were independent predictors of differentiation between pseudocysts and cystic tumors. Serous cystadenoma exhibited diverse EUS features, as well as a honeycomb appearance. Mural nodules were found more often in mucinous cystic tumors than in serous cystadenomas (p < 0.05). There were no factors that predicted malignancy in intraductal papillary mucinous tumor. CONCLUSIONS: EUS is a useful complementary imaging method for differentiation of pancreatic cystic lesions.     

Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas

Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas, including 4 patients with serous cystadenoma and 11 with mucinous cystic neoplasm, were studied. Serous cystadenomas composed of epithelial cells with glycogen in the cytoplasm were benign in all, whereas mucinous cystic neoplasms consisted of four benign, two borderline, and five malignant lesions. The average size was 1.8 cm in the greatest diameter in benign mucinous cystadenomas, about 5 cm in borderline tumors, and more than 8 cm in mucinous cystadenocarcinomas. Histologically, in all borderline and malignant lesions, the cysts contained areas lined with epithelium and had a benign appearance, comparable with that of mucinous cystadenoma. These observations suggest a borderline or malignant disease in the case of a benign mucinous cystadenoma. An immunohistochemical study for carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 showed denser and diffuse localizations of such materials in the cytoplasm and the stroma in the case of malignant lesions, as compared to findings in borderline and benign cases.     

Macrocystic Serous Cystadenoma of the Pancreas

Abstract: The case of a 61 -year-old man with macrocystic serous cystadenoma of the pancreas is reported. Abdominal ultrasonography and computerized tomography showed a multilocular cystic lesion in the body of the pancreas. The major cysts ranged in size from more than 2.0 cm up to 6.0 crn. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) showed a few small cysts in addition to the large cysts. The preoperative diagnosis was either mucinous cystic tumor or congenital cyst of the pancreas and tumor enucleation was performed. Histological examination revealed serous cystadenoma of the pancreas with macrocysts. Detecting small cysts with EUS may be useful for distinguishing this unusual tumor from mucinous cystic tumors.     

Solid and cystic tumor of the pancreas--three cases report

Solid and cystic tumor of the pancreas is a rare, low-grade malignant tumor that predominantly occurs in young women. Clinically, the patients are often asymptomatic and are usually found incidentally due to other diseases. The pre-operative diagnosis is difficult due to the similarity to other cystic pancreatic lesions (such as serous adenoma, mucinous cystadenoma and endocrinologically inactive islet cell tumor), or inflammatory changes (such as pancreatic pseudocyst). This tumor has a slow growth, usually does not have metastases and has a favorable prognosis. Complete removal is the treatment of choice for the tumors arising anywhere in the pancreas. We collected specimens of pancreatic tumors that were kept at Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital (KMUH) in the past 11 years. Three cases varying in clinical course were found. The first is a case of a middle aged woman with a slow growing tumor who had a misdiagnosis of pseudocyst eight years ago. The second is a case of a young woman that showed no symptoms, while the third case was also a young woman diagnosed with a huge tumor with portal vein and inferior vessel encasement. We review some articles to revise the study of this disease in order to make the correct diagnosis before proceeding with the operation, and to provide proper treatment.     

Endoscopic ultrasound characteristics of mucinous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas

OBJECTIVE: Mucinous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas have a more favorable prognosis than ductal adenocarcinoma. Management of a subgroup, intraductal papillary-mucinous neoplasms, is controversial. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) with fine-needle aspiration biopsy may emerge as the imaging modality of choice. There are few studies describing the EUS features of these tumors. METHODS: A total of 35 consecutive cases of cystic tumors of the pancreas with an established pathological diagnosis were analyzed for characteristic EUS features. RESULTS: Mucinous cystadenocarcinomas (n = 14) were more likely to be characterized by hypoechoic cystic/solid mass or complex cyst and were frequently associated with a dilated main pancreatic duct. Benign mucinous duct ectasia (n = 6) were characterized by a dilated main pancreatic duct in conjunction with hyperechoic thickening of the duct wall. The two cases of intraductal mucinous hyperplasia additionally showed a hypoechoic mass. Intraductal papillary carcinoma (n = 11) had features in common with mucinous cystadenocarcinoma but also had echogenic foci in the mass and intraductal hyperechoic lesions. The two cases of microcystic cystadenoma showed either a mixed hypoechoic solid/cystic mass or a complex cyst without the additional features seen in mucinous cystadenocarcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: EUS features seem to exist that may help to differentiate cystic neoplasms from adenocarcinoma of the pancreas and, thus, to establish the preoperative diagnosis of cystic tumors of the pancreas.     

MRI对胰腺囊性肿瘤的诊断价值

目的探讨MRI对胰腺囊性肿瘤的诊断价值。方法回顾分析23例经手术病理证实的胰腺囊性肿瘤资料,总结其影像表现。结果黏液性囊性肿瘤10例,囊性肿块较大,肿块平均直径超过10 cm,由较厚的纤维壁分隔成多房囊肿,外壁光滑,边界清楚。浆液性囊腺瘤6例,病灶较小,囊内有分隔而呈放射状排列,中心瘢痕为其特征性表现。胰腺囊性转移瘤3例,均有肿瘤病史,表现不典型,需结合肿瘤病史定性。胰胚细胞瘤2例,幼儿发病,肿块巨大,肿瘤坏死囊变,形成假-假性囊肿。胰腺乳头状囊实性肿瘤1例,表现为边界清楚的囊实性肿块,囊壁上有壁结节。胰腺毛细血管瘤1例,表现与浆液性囊腺瘤相似,难以术前诊断。结论MRI对胰腺囊性肿瘤具有高度敏感性,不同病变有一定的特征性表现, 对术前定性极有价值。     

Macrocystic type of serous cystadenoma with a communication between the cyst and pancreatic duct

A 42-year-old woman with a cystic lesion in the head of the pancreas was evaluated by using abdominal ultrasonography, a computed tomographic scan, magnetic resonance imaging and endoscopic retrograde pancreatography. Multiple cystic lesions, 5 cm in diameter, which had papillary protrusion inside the cyst in the head of the pancreas and had the communication between the cysts and pancreatic duct, were determined. Pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed under the diagnosis of mucinous cystic neoplasm of the pancreas. Although the cut surface of the tumor showed a macrocystic tumor of 3 cm in diameter, part of the cyst wall was cavernous. A histopathological examination showed single-layered cuboidal cells, which lead to the diagnosis as being serous cystadenoma of the pancreas. Serous cystadenoma is a rare, almost benign pancreatic tumor. The macrocystic subtype of serous cystadenoma is even more rare. We describe a patient who had this macrocystic subtype of serous cystadenoma with a communication between the cyst and pancreatic duct. This case illustrates the difficulty in the diagnosis of cystic lesions in the pancreas, and might support the single category of cystic lesions of the pancreas.     

Rare case of adult pancreatic hemangioma and review of the literature

Pancreatic hemangiomas are a rare type of cystic tumor, with very few cases reported in the literature. Herein, we present the case of a 28-year-old woman who was admitted to our hospital for abdominal pain. A physical examination failed to reveal any abnormalities that could explain her symptoms. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a multilocular cyst with moderately enhanced septa and fluid-fluid levels in the body and tail of the pancreas. A serous cystadenoma or pseudocyst of the pancreas was initially suspected, and the patient underwent a subtotal pancreatectomy and splenectomy. The pathologic diagnosis was a pancreatic hemangioma. This is the second case of pancreatic hemangioma with fluid-fluid levels reported in the literature. Upon imaging, the presentation of this tumor can resemble serous or mucinous cystadenomas, pseudocysts of the pancreas, and side-branch type intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms. This report reviews the clinical symptoms, radiologic features, pathologic characteristics, differential diagnoses, and treatment of this rare lesion type.     

Cystic pancreatic lesions: current evidence for diagnosis and treatment

Pancreatic cystic neoplasms are detected at an increasing frequency due to an increased use and quality of abdominal imaging. There are well known differential diagnostic difficulties concerning these lesions. The aim is to review current literature on the diagnostic options and the following treatment for cystic lesions in the pancreas focusing on serous cystadenomas, primary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas and mucinous cystadenocarcinomas, as well as intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, starting with excluding pseudocysts. A conservative approach is feasible in patients with a clinical presentation suggestive of an asymptomatic serous cystadenoma. Surgical management, as well as follow-up, is discussed for each of the types of neoplastic lesions, including an uncharacterized cyst, based on patient data, symptoms, serum analysis, cyst fluid analysis and morphological features. Aspects for future diagnostics and management of these neoplasia are commented upon.     

Cystic pancreatic lesions: Current evidence for diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

Pancreatic cystic neoplasms are detected at an increasing frequency due to an increased use and quality of abdominal imaging. There are well known differential diagnostic difficulties concerning these lesions. The aim is to review current literature on the diagnostic options and the following treatment for cystic lesions in the pancreas focusing on serous cystadenomas, primary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas and mucinous cystadenocarcinomas, as well as intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, starting with excluding pseudocysts. A conservative approach is feasible in patients with a clinical presentation suggestive of an asymptomatic serous cystadenoma. Surgical management, as well as follow-up, is discussed for each of the types of neoplastic lesions, including an uncharacterized cyst, based on patient data, symptoms, serum analysis, cyst fluid analysis and morphological features. Aspects for future diagnostics and management of these neoplasia are commented upon.     

Serous cystic neoplasm of the pancreas-indications for surgery

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Serous cystic neoplasm is a rare pancreatic tumor. Almost all of these tumors are benign and only 9 cases of serous cystadenocarcinoma have been reported. Although serous cystic neoplasm is typically a microcystic lesion, there is a wide range of cyst sizes from micro to macro and even unilocular cysts have been reported. Thus, the diagnosis is difficult and indications for surgery are controversial. We aimed to elucidate the clinicopathological and imaging features of serous cystic neoplasm of the pancreas. METHODOLOGY: We investigated 15 cases of resected and 6 cases of nonresected cases of serous cystic neoplasm, evaluating the symptoms, imaging findings, preoperative diagnosis, macroscopic morphology, microscopic findings, and results of follow-up. RESULTS: Imaging diagnosis of serous cystic neoplasm was not easy, because not so many tumors had the typical microcystic pattern. Most of the resected serous cystic neoplasms were non-microcystic or were small tumors, which could not be precisely evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: Small serous cystic neoplasms, which can be diagnosed by imaging, do not need to be resected because serous cystadenocarcinoma is rare. Tumors of the pancreas that cannot be confirmed to be serous cystic neoplasm should be resected because of the possibility of pancreatic cancer, mucinous cystadenocarcinoma, or mucinous cystadenoma with malignant potential.     

Risk of malignancy in serous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas

BACKGROUND: In contrast to mucinous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas, which are known to have considerable malignant potential, the serous variant is generally thought to be benign. There are, however, several reports of malignancy in serous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas. AIMS: To assess the risk of malignancy of serous cystic tumors of the pancreas and to investigate specific clinical and histological features. METHODS: Clinical and pathological characteristics of benign and malignant serous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas were investigated by a review of the literature and documented by a case of a serous cystadenocarcinoma and immunohistochemical analysis of a series of serous cystadenomas. Reviewing the literature prevalence, age and sex distribution of serous cystic neoplasms were analyzed. RESULTS: The prevalence of cancer among serous cystic neoplasms reported since 1989 was 3%. Serous cystadenoma of the pancreas present at an earlier age (61 years) than serous cystadenocarcinoma (66 years; p = 0.056) and are symptomatic in the majority of patients.Pathological examination of the primary tumor was not able to distinguish cystadenoma from cystadenocarcinoma in 38% of cases. In 25% the diagnosis of cancer was established only after growth of metachronous metastases. In the present case, nuclear atypia, papillary structures, proliferation marker Ki-67 and p53 protein were increased in the primary tumor and/or metachronous metastasis. CONCLUSION: Serous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas do have malignant potential with a risk of malignancy of 3% and should be surgically treated if the operative risk is acceptable. Routine analysis of genetic and proliferation markers may improve diagnosis of malignancy in these tumors.     

Argyrophilic nucleolar organizer region counts in exocrine pancreatic tumors.

We enumerated the number of Ag-NORs in normal pancreatic ducts and exocrine pancreatic tumors to assess their cellular activity. Our results indicate that the mean number of Ag-NOR counts increased stepwise in the following order: normal pancreatic duct (1.26), serous cystadenoma (1.27), mucinous cystadenoma (1.65), mucinous cystadenocarcinoma (2.29), noninvasive intraductal variant of mucin-producing papillary adenocarcinoma (3.16), and a common type of invasive duct cell adenocarcinoma (3.78). These results suggest that cellular proliferative activity is low in normal pancreatic ducts and serous cystadenoma, intermediate in mucinous cystadenoma, and high in mucinous cystadenocarcinoma and duct cell adenocarcinoma. In addition, mucinous cystadenocarcinoma has significantly lower Ag-NOR counts than duct cell adenocarcinoma. We conclude that a clear quantitative difference between the Ag-NOR content of tumor cells of serous cystadenoma, mucinous cystadenoma, mucinous cystadenocarcinoma, and duct cell adenocarcinoma reflects the underlying different biologic behavior (chiefly, grade of malignancy) of these lesions.     

Interobserver agreement among endosonographers for the diagnosis of neoplastic versus non-neoplastic pancreatic cystic lesions

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of agreement among endosonographers for EUS diagnosis of neoplastic versus non-neoplastic pancreatic cystic lesions and the specific type of cystic lesion. METHODS: Videotapes of EUS procedures from 31 consecutive cases of a range of histopathologically proven lesions, including mucinous cystic neoplasm, serous cystadenoma, neuroendocrine tumor, intraductal papillary mucinous tumor, and pseudocyst, were used to make a study videotape, which was reviewed by 8 experienced endosonographers. The reviewers, blinded to clinical and surgical histopathology results, reviewed each case for the presence or absence of the following features: abnormality of pancreatic duct and parenchyma, margins, solid component, debris, and septations. They were asked to identify each lesion as neoplastic or non-neoplastic and to give a specific diagnosis for each lesion. RESULTS: There was fair agreement between endosonographers for diagnosis of neoplastic versus non-neoplastic lesions (kappa = 0.24). Agreement for individual types of lesions was moderately good for serous cystadenomas (kappa = 0.46) but fair for the remainder. Agreement was moderately good for presence or absence of solid component (kappa = 0.43); fair for presence or absence of abnormal pancreatic duct (kappa = 0.29), debris (kappa = 0.21), and septations (kappa = 0.30); and slight for presence or absence of margins (kappa = 0.01) and abnormal pancreatic parenchyma (kappa = 0.01). Accuracy rates of EUS for the diagnosis of neoplastic versus non-neoplastic lesions ranged from 40% to 93%. CONCLUSIONS: There is little more than chance interobserver agreement among experienced endosonographers for diagnosis of neoplastic versus non-neoplastic, specific type, and EUS features of pancreatic cystic lesions.     

Tumeurs intracanalaires papillaires et mucineuses du pancréas découvertes fortuitement : à propos d’un cas

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of pancreas (IPMN) are cystic lesions of the pancreas than can be associated with extra-pancreatics malignancies. We report a case of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm discovered incidentally during the staging of rectal adenocarcinoma. This observation illustrates the high frequency of IPMN incidentally discovered, for instance during the work-up of an extrapancreatic tumor.     

胰腺囊性肿瘤19例的诊断与外科治疗

目的 探讨胰腺囊性肿瘤的诊断及外科治疗方法.方法 对我院普外科2000年1月至2009年8月诊治的19例胰腺囊性肿瘤的临床资料进行回顾性分析.结果 胰腺囊性肿瘤无特征性临床表现,B超和CT是其主要诊断手段,但均不能准确区分其病理类型,与术后病理对照的定性诊断符合率分别为57.9%(11/19)和68.4%(13/19).肿瘤位于胰头颈部5例,胰体尾部14例,最大直径3～15cm.19例均行手术治疗,切除肿瘤16例,总切除率为84.2%.术中误诊误治4例(21.0%).病理证实浆液性囊腺瘤6例,黏液性囊腺瘤6例,黏液性囊腺癌5例,导管内乳头状黏液腺瘤2例.获得随访15例(78.9%),3例囊腺癌患者中1例切除者已存活4年,无复发;2例未切除者分别于术后4个月和7个月病死.12例囊腺瘤患者目前均存活,肿瘤无复发.失访4例,囊腺癌和囊腺瘤各2例.结论 加强对胰腺囊性肿瘤的认识是减少误诊误治的关键;胰腺囊性肿瘤手术切除后疗效满意,故一经诊断即应积极行外科手术切除.     

A new case of congenital cyst of the pancreas

A new case of congenital cyst of the pancreas is reported. A 34-year-old woman was admitted with a painless, large, epigastric mass. Ultrasonography revealed an anechogenic retrogastric tumor. Computed tomography scan described a liquid cyst of the pancreas which was 15 cm in diameter. During surgery, a well-delimited translucent cyst was found and no local malignancy was observed. Extensive distal pancreatic resection with preservation of the spleen was performed and a thin part of cephalic pancreas was preserved. The liquid of the cyst did not contain any mucus. Microscopic study of the cyst wall described normal cuboidal cells and congenital cyst of the pancreas was diagnosed. Several diagnoses including hydatid cyst, pseudocyst and cystic tumors of the pancreas are discussed. Before surgery, lack of acute pancreatitis in recent medical history rules out pseudocyst and hydatid cyst. During the operation, if cystadenocarcinoma is easily ruled out, macrocystic serous cystadenoma is more difficult to exclude. Only histological examination of the cystic wall confirms the difference between cystadenoma and congenital cyst which remains an exceptional entity.     

European experts consensus statement on cystic tumours of the pancreas

Cystic lesions of the pancreas are increasingly recognized. While some lesions show benign behaviour (serous cystic neoplasm), others have an unequivocal malignant potential (mucinous cystic neoplasm, branch- and main duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm and solid pseudo-papillary neoplasm). European expert pancreatologists provide updated recommendations: diagnostic computerized tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging are indicated in all patients with cystic lesion of the pancreas. Endoscopic ultrasound with cyst fluid analysis may be used but there is no evidence to suggest this as a routine diagnostic method. The role of pancreatoscopy remains to be established. Resection should be considered in all symptomatic lesions, in mucinous cystic neoplasm, main duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm and solid pseudo-papillary neoplasm as well as in branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm with mural nodules, dilated main pancreatic duct >6 mm and possibly if rapidly increasing in size. An oncological partial resection should be performed in main duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm and in lesions with a suspicion of malignancy, otherwise organ preserving procedures may be considered. Frozen section of the transection margin in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm is suggested. Follow up after resection is recommended for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, solid pseudo-papillary neoplasm and invasive cancer.     

Cystic ductal adenocarcinoma of pancreas: an unusual variant.

Cystic lesions of the pancreas are usually pseudocysts (90%); only 10% of them are cystic tumors. These cystic tumors constitute less than 10% of all pancreatic neoplasms, making them an extremely uncommon type of pancreatic malignancy. What is more important is that these tumors are very easily misdiagnosed as pseudocysts because their characteristics are very similar to those of the benign pseudocysts. This gains importance as the cystic tumors have a high cure rate and good prognosis if diagnosed and treated on time. Of all the cystic tumors, the most common are the benign serous cystadenomas, mucinous cystic tumors, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms etc. Ductal adenocarcinoma of pancreas presenting in cystic form is an uncommon type of cystic tumor, making it extremely rare among all pancreatic malignancies (solid or cystic). We present the following case report. The review of literature concerning the diagnosis and management has also been discussed.