Abstract

Purpose: Cystic neoplasms of pancreas (CNP) are frequently diagnosed with improved radiological imaging. Mucinous cystadenomas and intraductal mucinous papillary neoplasms have malignancy potential. Our aim was to share our experience about the diagnosis, treatment and outcomes during follow-up of patients with CNP. Patients and Methods: Twenty-one patients with histological and/or radiological diagnosis of CNP between 2000-2008 were evaluated according to patient and tumor characteristics, diagnostic procedures, radiological and clinical findings, retrospectively. Malignant transformation and/or recurrence were also evaluated in accordance with tumor type and localization. Results: Male/female ratio was 0.9 (10/11). Mean age was 55.6 (range, 30-77). Head of pancreas was the most common site. Mean cyst size was 29,5 mm (range, 10-60 mm). Six patients were diagnosed incidentally during abdominal evaluations for other reasons. Median follow up was 15.8 months. Four patients had been operated and the others were followed-up. Two patients in follow-up group had malign transformation within 21 and 25 months. Conclusion: CNPs are most frequent in fifth decade and have no gender predominance. It is common in pancreatic head. Malign transformation is rare. Treatment should be indivudialized by taking into account clinical / radiological malignancy criteria and surgical risks. Total pancreatectomy might be an option in selected patients.