Specific new mucinous benign pancreatic cysts-a new pathological unit

Introduction: The cystic lesions of the pancreas consists of a range of pathologies which may be broadly divided into neoplastic, non- neoplastic cysts. Recently new non-neoplastic cystic lesion, called Mucinous Non-neoplastic Cyst (MNC), has been described. Materials and Methods: Imaging (ultrasound and CT) methods, as well as invasive procedures for histological examination of the diagnosis, were used. Eleven cases of cystic lesions of the pancreas, accidentally detected by ultrasound and computed tomography, obtained for other reasons were presented. Results and Discussion: The finding was a 26-33 mm cysts in the body of the pancreas, apparently communicating with the pancreatic duct. The Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography and laboratory tests of liver function, serum CEA and carbohydrate antigen C19-9 were within normal limits. After the distal pancreatectomy in six patients, the histological result showed a simple cyst, lined with mucinous epithelium. The other five cases are without any changes in size and structure under 2 years surveillance. Conclusion: We recommend that patients diagnosed with 'benign' mucinous neoplasm should be closely monitored due to the inability to completely confirm the benign nature of the lesions. Moreover, the existence of the MNC, as a truly unique cystic lesion, remains controversial.