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Review
. 2009 Oct;13(10):1864-8.
doi: 10.1007/s11605-009-0926-3. Epub 2009 May 21.

Pancreatic serous cystadenocarcinoma: a case report and review of the literature

Jonathan C King  1 , Tina T Ng, Stephen C White, Galen Cortina, Howard A Reber, O Joe Hines
Affiliations
Review

Pancreatic serous cystadenocarcinoma: a case report and review of the literature

Jonathan C King et al. J Gastrointest Surg. 2009 Oct.

Abstract

Background: Serous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas are benign lesions with little chance for malignant degeneration. We report a case of malignant serous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas and review the literature.

Methods: Structured review of the literature was performed using PubMed and MEDLINE searches, and cases of serous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas were compiled.

Results: A 70-year-old man diagnosed with a serous cystadenoma was managed expectantly until he became symptomatic, and studies revealed an increase in the size of the lesion as well as duodenal invasion. The patient underwent a pancreaticoduodenectomy, and histopathological examination revealed a locally invasive cystadenocarcinoma without metastatic disease. Seven years later, the patient remains disease-free. Review of the literature identified 25 cases of serous cystadenocarcinoma published to date. The mean age at diagnosis is 68 +/- 2 years (range, 52 to 81), and women are affected more commonly (2:1).

Conclusions: We conclude that there is a small but finite risk of malignancy for serous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas. The clinician should bear this in mind when faced with decisions regarding patient management. Prognosis is excellent with multiple reports of long-term survival even in the face of metastatic disease.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Contrast-enhanced CT scan demonstrating a large mass measuring 6.5 × 8 cm in the head of the pancreas (arrow) with central dystrophic calcifications.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Gross appearance of the tumor. Note invasion of the duodenum through the muscularis propria and submucosa with ulceration of the overlying mucosa (arrow).
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Microscopic appearance of the tumor. The tumor is composed of multiple cysts lined by cuboidal cells with clear cytoplasm.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Vascular invasion. Tumor erodes through the lumen of the vessel (arrow). Red blood cells and hemosiderin (double arrow) are present.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Neural invasion. Tumor cells are noted within the nerve sheath (arrows).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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