CYSTADENOMA OF THE PANCREAS: RADIOLOGICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL CORRELATION

Abstract

The correlation between the radiological and pathological characteristics of cystadenoma of the pancreas was investigaed in two serous and one mucinous cystadenomas. Cystadenoma of the pancreas is pathologically classified as serous or mucinous. Serous cystadenoma frequently develops in the pancreatic head region and consists of groups of small cysts. The epithelium of the cyst consists of squamous or cuboidal cells containing glycogen. It has no malignant potential. Mutinous cystadenoma often develops in the pancreatic body and tail region and is considered to originate in the ductal epithelium.The epithelium of the cyst is columnar and mucinproducing. It has marked malignant potential. These differences in pathologic characteristics, growth pattern and site of origin are reflected in the radiological findings. Significant differences were observed, particularly on the angiogram and CT-scanning. On the angiogram, serous cystadenoma has high vascularity with tumor neovascularity and tumor staining. By CT, it is characterized by a honeycomb appearance. Mutinous cystadenoma is characterized angiographically by hypo-or avascularity. On the CT scan, the major feature is a cystic mass with a thin wall accompanied occasionally by curviliniar septa.