Specific new mucinous benign pancreatic cysts: A new pathological unit

Abstract

Introduction: The cystic lesions of the pancreas consists of a range of pathologies which may be broadly divided into neoplastic, non- neo plastic cysts. Recently new non-neoplastic cystic lesions, called mucinous non-neoplastic cysts (MNCs), have been described. Materials and Methods: The imaging methods (ultrasound and CT) were used as well as invasive imaging methods under image control with a view of the histological verification of the diagnosis. Included cases of pancreatic cystic lesions are described, accidentally detected by ultrasound and CT scan and other diagnostic methods were made for different purpose. Results and Discussion: The finding usually was a cyst in the body of the pancreas, apparently communicating with the pancreatic duct. The Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography and laboratory tests of liver function, serum carcino embryonic antigen (CEA)and carbohydrate antigen C19 -9 were within normal limits. After the distal pancreatectomy in three of the patients the histological speciment showed a simple cyst, lined with mucinous epithelium. Conclusion: We recommend that patients diagnosed with 'benign' mucinous neoplasm are closely monitored due to the inability to completely confirm the benign nature of the lesions. Moreover, the existence of the MNC, as a truly unique cystic lesion, remains controversial.