2019 Volume 34 Issue 5 Pages 262-269
Although a unilocular cystic tumor 10mm in diameter was detected in the pancreatic tail of a woman in her 40s during routine evaluation, it was observed because there were no findings consistent with malignancy. At 24 months after identifying the lesion, the tumor increased in size and became multilocular with internal calcifications. Six months later, she was referred for further examination. Dynamic CT scan revealed a decrease in the cystic component and overall tumor size, but a solid component was seen. Based on suspicion of a non-invasive malignant tumor, she underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy. The pathological findings showed low-grade dysplasia of the cystic epithelium and ovarian-type stroma and was positive for progesterone and estrogen receptors. Although the tumor was diagnosed as a mucinous cystic neoplasm, low-grade dysplasia, the absence of a common capsule and the cyst in cyst formation was an interesting feature considering the progression of a mucinous cystic neoplasm. The pathological findings also suggest communication between the tumor and the main pancreatic duct, which might have caused a decrease in the tumor size.
