[Microcystic serous pancreatic cystadenoma]

Abstract

Background: The pancreatic cystic serous neoplasms are divided into two categories: benign serous cystadenoma (SCA) and malignant serous cystadenocarcinoma. Furthermore, based on the macroscopic appearances, SCAs are subdivided into serous microcystic adenomas (SMAs) and serous oligocystic or macrocystic adenomas.

Aim: Report of a new case of SMA in which we emphasize on the diagnostic difficulties encountered against such tumor despite its relatively radiological easiness compared to the other variants.

Case report: We report the case of 84 year-old-woman with a microcystic serous cystadenoma of the pancreas which was identified on pathologic examination of the surgical specimen, after unconclusive abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography (CT)- scan.

Conclusion: This case describes this rare entity and emphasizes that the diagnosis of such entity is still based on pathological examination after tumor removal.