BACKGROUND/AIMS: The vast majority of serous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas are benign, and small, asymptomatic lesions, which are generally managed with observation. However, some of these tumors may attain a large size and occasionally metastasize. METHODS: In this study, we present a 78-year-old man with serous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas with liver metastases treated by distal pancreatectomy and liver ablation, who went on to develop new liver metastases 5 years after the initial operation. We perform a literature review to determine the number of these malignant neoplasms previously reported and to identify features associated with malignant lesions. RESULTS: Literature reveals that metastatic serous cystadenocarcinomas of the pancreas are rare tumors, occurring in less than 3% of cases of serous cystic neoplasms. All malignant cases reported have been in tumors >4 cm in size. CONCLUSIONS: Serous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas >4 cm have malignant potential and therefore should be considered for surgical management.
BACKGROUND/AIMS: The vast majority of serous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas are benign, and small, asymptomatic lesions, which are generally managed with observation. However, some of these tumors may attain a large size and occasionally metastasize. METHODS: In this study, we present a 78-year-old man with serous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas with liver metastases treated by distal pancreatectomy and liver ablation, who went on to develop new liver metastases 5 years after the initial operation. We perform a literature review to determine the number of these malignant neoplasms previously reported and to identify features associated with malignant lesions. RESULTS: Literature reveals that metastatic serous cystadenocarcinomas of the pancreas are rare tumors, occurring in less than 3% of cases of serous cystic neoplasms. All malignant cases reported have been in tumors >4 cm in size. CONCLUSIONS:Serous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas >4 cm have malignant potential and therefore should be considered for surgical management.
Authors: Yuxi Zhang; Autumn Hammonds; Karen Tran-Harding; Kurt B Schaberg; Rashmi T Nair; Chi Wang; Yuanyuan Wu; Prakash K Pandalai; Jill Kolesar; Joseph Kim; Michael J Cavnar Journal: J Surg Case Rep Date: 2022-03-22