Mucinous Cystic Neoplasm of the Pancreas in Pregnancy : Case Report

Abstract

A 31-year-old woman suspected the presence of a left upper abdominal tumor after the delivery of her second child. The tumor was identified to be a mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN) after abdominal ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. She underwent distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy. Pathological examination of the resected specimen revealed that the tumor was a mucinous cystic adenoma. There is no evidence of tumor recurrence two years after the surgery. Examination of her past reports revealed that MCN associated with pregnancy and childbirth has a larger diameter, is more metastatic, and has a higher risk of rupture than the usual MCN. Laparotomy was considered to be appropriate because of the risk of mucus leakage into the peritoneal cavity. When malignancy is suspected in early pregnancy, surgical resection of the tumor is considered to be suitable at mid-term or after abortion. When the tumor is benign, surgical resection is considered to be suitable at mid-term or after childbirth.