mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of pancreas

Mucinous cystadenocarcinomas of the pancreas are a type of pancreatic mucinous tumor. It is considered the more malignant counterpart of a mucinous cystadenoma of the pancreas.

Epidemiology

Like the more benign mucinous cystadenomas, these are found almost exclusively in females .

Radiographic features

General

It is typically seen as a cystic pancreatic lesion with cysts that are less numerous and larger in size (with an average diameter of ~10-12 cm) than typically observed with serous cystadenomas/cystadenocarcinomas. Its external surface is often smooth, and it is composed of unilocular or multilocular large (>2-4 cm) cysts with a thicker wall .

CT

On CT, they tend to appear as round to ovoid, externally smooth, near-water-density cystic lesions. Amorphous calcifications, septations and solid excrescences may be seen. Both mucinous cystadenomas and cystadenocarcinomas do not have central scars.

MRI

Signal characteristics of the cyst(s) can vary dependent on content. Mucin components exhibit high signal on T1 while calcific components are low signal on both T1 and T2 . Pure cystic components show low signal on T1 and high signal on T2.

Treatment and prognosis

While surgical resection is the standard mode of treatment, even the overtly malignant mucinous cystadenocarcinomas carry a far better prognosis than solid ductal adenocarcinomas .

Differential diagnosis

On ultrasound or CT consider

See also

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