Cystic tumors of the pancreas: Evaluation by ultrasonography and computed tomography

Abstract

The personal series of 30 cystic tumors of the pancreas [12 serous cystic tumors (SCT) and 18 mucinous cystic tumors (MCT)] is presented. All neoplasms were evaluated with ultrasonography (US) 28 of 30 with computed tomography (CT); the tumoral histotype could be correctly defined in 73% of cases (seven of 12 SCT and 15 of 18 MCT). Percutaneous fine-needle aspiration (FNA) with diagnostic aims (preparation of cytological smears and/or biochemical assays) was performed in only 10 of 30 cases, yielding a 100% sensitivity; on the whole, the combined use of imaging modalities and FNA allowed correct characterization of the cystic tumors in 27 of 30 cases (90%). The usefulness of a precise diagnostic workup of these neoplasms is emphasized, due to their prognostic and therapeutic outcome.

Pancreatic cystic neoplasms: the role and sensitivity of needle aspiration and biopsy

“…We concur with the findings of Fugazzola et al, who reported 10 of 10 patients with a cystic pancreatic neoplasm correctly diagnosed by needle aspiration and biopsy [13]. In seven of the 10 cases, the diagnosis was made by analysis of the epithelial cells found in the smear specimen.…”

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonograpic Findings in Pancreatic Tumors

“…c) Serous microcystic adenomas (SMAs) sometimes show at B-mode US a hypoechoic “solid-appearing” pattern, due to submacroscopic size of the cysts 10 (Fig. 4A); these tumors can be properly characterized by CEUS that demonstrates the typical honeycomb pattern (Fig.…”

Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound for the Assessment of Pancreatic Lesions

“…Differentiation between pancreatic serous cystadenoma and mucinous cystadenoma is difficult and is based on fine needle aspiration (FNA) that will reveal in the later high levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in the aspirated fluid as well as a low level of pancreatic enzymes [35,36]. They are cystic pancreatic masses, usually multilocular, rarely unilocular when they must be differentiated from pancreatic pseudocysts and from serous cystadenomas [37][38][39][40][41].…”