Benign pancreatic tumours

Benign pancreatic tumours are rare and frankly not that important to know.

Serous cystadenomas

Serous cystadenomas are the most common cystic neoplasm of the pancreas. They occur most frequently in older and female patients. They are almost always benign. They’re associated with mutations in the VHL tumor suppressor gene.

Mucinous cystadenomas

Mucinous cystadenomas are almost exclusively found in women are usually found in the body or tail of the pancreas. The cysts are filled with thick mucin. Up to one third of these neoplasms have dysplasia and therefore can become malignant.

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) (or intraductal papillary cystic neoplasm according to the lecture) grow in the larger ducts of the pancreas. These neoplasms are more common in males than in females. Up to two thirds of these neoplasms have mutations that give them the possibility to turn malignant.

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm is an epithelial tumor with low malignant potentional that is usually found in the body or tail. Mainly young females are affected. This tumor is locally aggressive, but doesn’t metastasise.