Mucinous cystadenoma of the body and tail of the pancreas: apropos of a case

Abstract

Introduction: Pancreatic cystic neoplasms are observed in the body and tail of the pancreas in middle-aged women. They are considered premalignant lesions and require surgical removal depending on their size and imaging characteristics. Mucinous cystadenoma is an epithelial neoplasm that produces mucin, forms cysts that arise from the pancreas, and can progress to invasive carcinoma. They represent half of the cystic neoplasms of the pancreas. Symptomatic lesions in operable patients should be resected. In the case of asymptomatic lesions, it is important to differentiate their type (serous or mucinous) and their risk of degeneration. Once the patient has been assessed, surgical treatment or observation is indicated. Clinical case: A 43-year-old female patient with a history of controlled systemic arterial hypertension and hypothyroidism, who presented a clinical picture characterized by abdominal distension and dyspeptic symptoms. Abdominal ultrasonography and tomography of the abdomen and pelvis with double contrast were performed, a rounded, hypodense lesion in the liquid range with fine septa inside, defined, which appears to be part of the body and tail of the pancreas. Surgical resolution was decided by exploratory laparotomy. Histopathological report: mucinous cystadenoma of the body and tail of the pancreas. Conclusion: Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas are tumors that today, thanks to the development of new technologies, are observed more frequently in our medical practice. When suspecting a cystic neoplasm of the pancreas, the appropriate treatment is surgical resection adapted to the location of the tumor. The management of this pathology must be individualized according to its clinical, imaging and histopathological characteristics.