Microcytic adenoma coexistent with low-grade malignant islet cell tumor of the pancreas

J Clin Gastroenterol. 2001 May-Jun;32(5):441-3. doi: 10.1097/00004836-200105000-00018.

Abstract

We report a case of microcystic (glycogen-rich) adenoma of the whole pancreas with coexistent pancreatic low-grade malignant islet cell tumor in a 29-year-old woman. She complained of nausea, vomiting, and growing abdominal mass. Abdominal computed tomography showed multiple cysts in the whole pancreas and a calcified solid mass in the pancreatic head. A Whipple's operation and total pancreatectomy with splenectomy was performed to treat pancreatic cystic neoplasm. The pancreas was entirely replaced by variable-sized, multilocular cysts, which were lined by a flattened-to-cuboidal glycogen-rich epithelium. Furthermore, in the head of the pancreas, a focal yellowish solid mass showed a positive reaction for chromogranin A and neuron-specific enolase. Careful examination of the pancreas is warranted in cases of microcystic adenoma to rule out a possible coexistent pancreatic malignancy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Carcinoma, Islet Cell / diagnostic imaging
  • Carcinoma, Islet Cell / pathology*
  • Carcinoma, Islet Cell / surgery
  • Cystadenoma, Serous / diagnostic imaging
  • Cystadenoma, Serous / pathology*
  • Cystadenoma, Serous / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed