What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Pancreatic Serous Neoplasms

What are Serous Neoplasms of the Pancreas? (Definition/Background Information)

• Serous Neoplasms of the Pancreas are benign or malignant neoplasms of the pancreas, an important organ of the digestive system located in the abdomen. These neoplasms often form cysts containing serous fluid within the pancreas. The following two main variants are described:
  • Serous cystadenoma: It is a benign tumor that is mostly observed in women with mean age of 58 years. A vast majority of Serous Neoplasms of the Pancreas are benign tumors
  • Serous cystadenocarcinoma: It is a malignant tumor that reportedly constitute less than 0.2% of all serious neoplasms. Over 65% are observed in women in an age range 52-86 years

A definitive diagnosis of cancer in Serous Neoplasms of the Pancreas is arrived at after through testing and detection of metastasis of the tumor cells beyond the pancreatic gland. Often extensive radiology studies are needed to document the metastasis. 

In summary, a combination of radiology studies and pathology tissue examination is required for diagnosing malignancy in Pancreatic Serous Neoplasms. Hence, detecting serous cystadenocarcinomas are often difficult requiring closes follow-ups after surgery to remove the initial tumor within the pancreas.

• The following subtypes of serous cystadenoma of pancreas are recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of tumors of the pancreas:
  • Microcystic serous cystadenoma: These are uncommon benign pancreatic tumors that typically develop in middle-aged and older women
  • Macrocystic (oligocystic) serous cystadenoma: These are common tumors and constitute about 20% of all Pancreatic Serous Neoplasms; they are more often seen in elderly men
  • Solid serous adenoma: These pancreatic tumors are very rare, forming as a combination of cyst and solid portions. It typically affects adults
  • Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome-associated serous cystic neoplasm: It is a pancreatic tumor that occurs in the background of von Hippel-Lindau (vHL) syndrome, an inherited genetic disorder. It typically affects young adults
  • Mixed serous-neuroendocrine neoplasm: It is an extremely rare pancreatic tumor showing a combination of two components namely, pancreatic serous cystic neoplasm and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor
• Most neoplasms do not cause any signs and symptoms during the initial stages of tumor growth. In some individuals, there may be abdominal pain, indigestion, and loss of appetite due to Serous Neoplasms of the Pancreas
• The cause of formation of Serous Neoplasms of the Pancreas is not well-understood. In some cases, the involvement of certain genetic factors are noted. A diagnosis of the condition involves suitable blood tests, imaging scans, and biopsy studies
• The treatment and outcomes of Pancreatic Serous Neoplasms depend on whether these are benign or malignant:
  • Typically, small-sized serous cystadenomas are treated conservatively and a wait and watch approach may be considered by the healthcare provider. Large-sized tumors may be surgically-removed. In rare cases, these are known to recur or even transform into a malignancy (serous cystadenocarcinoma)
  • In majority of cases, a complete surgical excision is the preferred mode of treating serous cystadenocarcinomas. In cases of metastasis, a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical procedures may be considered
• The prognosis of pancreatic serous cystadenoma is excellent with appropriate treatment, although it is recommended to maintain regular health checkups after treatment. The prognosis of pancreatic serous cystadenocarcinoma depends upon many factors including the stage of the tumor and overall health of the individual