Microcystic Adenoma
Image Description
Microcystic adenoma (also known as glycogen-rich or serous cystadenoma) is a benign epithelial neoplasm that makes up 1% to 2% of exocrine pancreatic neoplasms. The median age at presentation is about 65 years and there is a slight female predominance. They are either discovered incidentally or present with abdominal pain and discomfort due to a mass.
They are solitary, well-circumscribed lesions, with size ranging from 1-25 cm in greatest dimension (average, 6-10 cm). Cut surface is sponge-like and made up of numerous cysts filled with serous (clear watery) fluid, giving it a soap bubble appearance. Rare cases are solid or macrocystic with just a few large cysts grossly. Cysts can be arranged around a para-central or centrally located stellate scar from which thin fibrous septa radiate to the periphery. The neoplasms occur most frequently in the body or tail of pancreas with the remaining tumors involving the head of the pancreas. Communication with the pancreatic duct is rare. Image Copyright: pathorama.ch.
They are solitary, well-circumscribed lesions, with size ranging from 1-25 cm in greatest dimension (average, 6-10 cm). Cut surface is sponge-like and made up of numerous cysts filled with serous (clear watery) fluid, giving it a soap bubble appearance. Rare cases are solid or macrocystic with just a few large cysts grossly. Cysts can be arranged around a para-central or centrally located stellate scar from which thin fibrous septa radiate to the periphery. The neoplasms occur most frequently in the body or tail of pancreas with the remaining tumors involving the head of the pancreas. Communication with the pancreatic duct is rare. Image Copyright: pathorama.ch.