mucinous cystadenoma of the pancreas

Mucinous cystadenomas (MCN) of the pancreas are a type of mucinous cystic neoplasm of the pancreas.

Epidemiology

Previously believed to occur exclusively in middle age females , it has occasionally been described in males .

Pathology

It is a large uni/multilocular cystic pancreatic neoplasm lined by columnar mucinous epithelium. While mucinous cystadenomas very infrequently communicate with the pancreatic duct , they can cause partial pancreatic ductal obstruction . They are considered premalignant or malignant lesions with usually elevated CEA and CA 19-9 serum levels.

Location

Largely (~80%) occur in the body or tail of the pancreas, and less commonly in the head of the pancreas (~20%) .

Radiographic features

CT
  • the tumor contour tends to be rounded or ovoid although this is not an absolutely specific feature
  • associated calcification when present tends to be more peripheral
  • contents of the lesion may be heterogenous in attenuation
  • internal septations may be present and tend to be linear or curvilinear

Differential diagnosis

On ultrasound or CT consider:

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