Microcystic adenoma of the pancreas. Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study of 7 cases

: Microcystic cystadenoma of pancreas is a rare benign neoplasm with peculiar pathologic characteristics. It is more frequent in women and in elderly age. Macroscopically it is composed of a spongy, microcystic mass with a starry central fibrous core. Histologically serous cysts are lined by cuboidal or flattened epithelium without nuclear atypias and with PAS positive cytoplasms. A surgical conservative approach is the treatment of choice. Seven cases of microcystic cystoadenomas of the pancreas observed within ten years at Osp. San Carlo Borromeo-Milano and Osp. Santa Maria degli Angeli-Pordenone from 6 women and 1 man aged 54-87 years are described. The preoperative and intraoperative investigations that have been necessary for reaching its diagnosis are discussed.