A case of solid‐type serous cystadenoma mimicking neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas

Abstract

Pancreatic cystic neoplasms, including serous cystic neoplasm (SCN) and mucinous cystic neoplasm, constitute approximately only 1–2% of all pancreatic tumors. Nevertheless, a great proportion of pancreatic cystic neoplasms are now being detected due to the recent improvements in imaging modalities. SCN is currently categorized into five subtypes: serous microcystic adenomas, serous oligocystic ill-demarcated adenomas, solid-type serous cystadenomas or solid serous adenoma (SSCA), von Hippel–Lindau disease-associated cystic neoplasms and serous cystadenocarcinomas. Among them, SSCA is by far the rarest subtype. SCN is a basically benign entity, so watchful observation is recommended unless the patients appear to have symptoms or the tumor turns to have malignant potential. However, an accurate preoperative diagnosis of SSCA is difficult because of its rarity and its resemblance in image findings to neuroendocrine tumor (NET) of the pancreas. Here we report a case of SSCA which was preoperatively diagnosed as NET of the pancreas, with a review of the published literatures. CASE REPORT