A case study of pancreatic cystadenomas in an old woman

Serous cystadenoma of the pancreas is a rare, benign neoplasm that is often discovered incidentally during imaging studies for unrelated health concerns. These tumors are typically asymptomatic and characterized by multiple small cysts filled with clear serous fluid. Despite their benign nature, accurate diagnosis is crucial to distinguish them from other pancreatic cystic lesions, particularly those with malignant potential, such as mucinous cystadenomas, pseudocysts, and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN). This report presents a case of a 67- year-old female who was referred for further evaluation of a pancreatic mass identified incidentally on a routine CT scan. The patient was asymptomatic, with no gastrointestinal symptoms, and had a medical history significant for controlled hypertension and diabetes. A contrastenhanced MRI confirmed a well-defined, multicystic lesion in the head of the pancreas, exhibiting typical imaging features of serous cystadenoma, including a "honeycomb" appearance without evidence of ductal dilation or surrounding tissue invasion. A comprehensive diagnostic approach, including imaging findings and laboratory results, led to the diagnosis of a serous cystadenoma. While these tumors are noninvasive and rarely cause symptoms, it is important to monitor them over time to ensure no change in size or behavior. This report also reviews the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management strategies for serous cystadenomas. The prognosis for patients with serous cystadenomas is excellent, with low risk of malignant transformation and recurrence following surgical removal. Regular follow-up imaging is typically recommended for monitoring.