| Theme | Management of Cystic Diseases of the Pancreas | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Serous Cyst Adenoma of the Pancreas -- Surgery or Follow-up? | |
| Publish Date | 2002/03 | |
| Author | Yoshi Takekuma | Division of Gastroenterology, Japanese Red Cross Kumamoto Hospital |
| Author | Michio Hifumi | Division of Gastroenterology, Japanese Red Cross Kumamoto Hospitale |
| Author | Tetsu Kawaguchi | Division of Gastroenterology, Japanese Red Cross Kumamoto Hospital |
| Author | Daisuke Higuchi | Division of Gastroenterology, Japanese Red Cross Kumamoto Hospital |
| Author | Eita Nakahashi | Division of Gastroenterology, Japanese Red Cross Kumamoto Hospital |
| Author | Hideki Kitada | Division of Gastroenterology, Japanese Red Cross Kumamoto Hospital |
| [ Summary ] | Serous cyst adenoma (SCA) has been believed to be a rare form of pancreatic cystic disease. Recently, SCA have been found, which are small and do not display any symptoms. This has been possible because of various new diagnostic imaging techniques. The honeycomb structure of small cysts is specific and helps to develop diagnoses for SCA. SCA has four subtypes. Typical types are easily diagnosed, although atypical types (solid variant, oligocystic variant) are difficult to differentiate from other pancreatic tumors. MRI and EUS are greatly beneficial as diagnostic imaging techniques for SCA. Although there are few cases of serous cyst adenocarcinoma, generally SCA without symptoms is not an indication for surgery. Surgery should be considered for cases with definite symptoms, rapid growth and indefinite SCA findings. Otherwise, follow ups every six months, using diagnostic imaging is necessary. | |