Answer: Giant Serous Microcystic Cystadenoma of the Pancreas
Figure 1. Computed tomographic scan. There is a well-defined mass in the pancreas body.
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Figure 2. Near-total distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy specimen.
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Cystic tumors of the pancreas are rare, yet surgeons are increasingly being asked to consult on patients who have a pancreatic cyst or mass. In most instances, the lesion is discovered on imaging studies done for other reasons or on abdominal ultrasound or abdominal CT scans requested for unrelated symptoms.1 Occasionally, the cyst is discovered on imaging studies for mild abdominal symptoms caused by the cyst itself. In most cases, surgical exploration and often resection of the cystic neoplasm is necessary for establishing a definitive diagnosis; resection remains the treatment of choice.2
There are several types of pancreatic cystic tumors: serous cystic tumor, serous cystadenoma (microcystic or oligocystic), cystadenocarcinoma, and mucinous cystic tumor. Serous cystadenomas are almost always benign and remain benign. . . . [Full Text of this Article]
