Facts About Cystic Pancreatic Tumors
Cystic pancreatic tumors are a type of growth occurring on the pancreas. They are also called cystadenomas, which translates to a cystic growth located on the epithelial surface of a gland (the pancreas is considered a gland). Cancerous cystic pancreatic tumors are called cystadenocarcinomas. They spring from a cystadenoma that has become cancerous. Two types of pancreas cysts are common: the cystic pancreatic neoplasm and the mucinous cystic neoplasm. These types compose 75% of pancreatic cysts. Unlike other solid pancreas tumors, which are growths of cells, a cyst resembles a mass with debris inside.
Cystic pancreatic tumors are extremely rare. Doctors first described pancreatic cysts in 1981. In the years since then, around 150 cases have been reported. This is a very small number when one considers that pancreatic tumors affect tens of thousands of people every year. In the United States and abroad, cystic tumors of the pancreas make up only about 10% of cystic lesions found on the pancreas. And they account for just 1% of all pancreatic growth or tumors. The vast majority of cystic pancreatic tumors occur in young women, though 80% of mucinous cystic neoplasms appear in women around the average age of 54.
Unlike pancreatic tumors, cysts are normally benign. This results from structural differences between the two growths. However, some pancreatic cysts such as neuroendocrine and mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs) can become malignant, or cancerous. In a recent study, researchers found that 64% of the study population of 42 patients diagnosed with MCNs had malignant cysts. Of these, 63% of the MCNs were found to be treatable, and only 22% had metastasized to other organs. If the cyst becomes cancerous, the disease will usually first spread to the liver.
The symptoms of cystic pancreatic tumors resemble those of other types of pancreatic tumors, though 50% of serous cystadenomas and 20% of MCNs cause no symptoms. These include abdominal or back pain, spontaneous weight loss, nausea and vomiting, decreased appetite and a premature feeling of satiety, and jaundice. Most of the symptoms arise from the cyst's growth. As its size increases, it begins to put pressure on surrounding organs and nerves. A blockage in the pancreas's bile duct caused by the cyst also creates these symptoms and jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and eyes from a build up of bile pigments). Though medical imaging has advanced, it is still difficult for doctors to locate and diagnose pancreatic tumors. In fact, many are found accidentally during an unrelated procedure such as a radiological evaluation. And when they are identified, about 37% are mistaken for pseudo cysts. This leads to inappropriate treatment and delays. However, true pancreatic cysts differ from pseudo cysts in structure and contents. To accurately identify pancreatic cysts doctors usually use CT scans and fine needle aspirations, which use a needle to collect tissue samples. Ultrasounds are also used. Treatment of cystic pancreatic tumors requires surgery. If it is non-cancerous, minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic procedures and small pancreas resections are used. Cancer, however, demands more drastic surgery. The prognosis is better for cystic pancreatic tumors than it is for andenocarcinomas after treatment. Though not as serious as other growths, cystic pancreatic tumors can become dangerous problems if left untreated. Thus it is vital to see medical attention if you experience any symptoms. Cystic pancreatic tumors are easily treated and rarely reoccur.
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