Cystic Masses of the Pancreas

Abstract

Cystic masses of the pancreas are not uncommon, and they are being encountered on imaging studies with increasing frequency.1 They can be categorized histologically as inflammatory pseudocyst, benign neoplastic, and premalignant or malignant. Those in the “premalignant or malignant” category are either primarily cystic or result from the cystic degeneration of solid tumors. Approximately 75% to 90% of pancreatic cysts are inflammatory pseudocysts. Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas account for 5% to 15% of all cystic pancreatic masses. Most primary cystic neoplasms fall into one of three categories: serous cystadenomas (32% to 39%); mucinous cystic neoplasms (10% to 45%); and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (21% to 33%).1 In addition to primary cystic pancreatic masses, peripancreatic cystic lesions such as lesions arising from gastric, duodenal, and retroperitoneal origin may simulate a pancreatic cystic mass.