Pancreatic microcystic adenoma coexistent with pancreatic ductal carcinoma. A report of two cases.

Abstract

We report two cases of microcystic (glycogen-rich) adenoma of the pancreas with coexistent pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Both patients presented with an epigastric mass. On laparotomy, each had two separate pancreatic tumors. The benign tumors were composed of small cysts with a flattened to cuboidal glycogen-rich epithelium. Both malignant tumors were composed of mucinous epithelium and showed positive staining for CEA and Leu-M1. Although pancreatic microcystic adenoma and ductal adenocarcinoma are believed to arise from different precursor cells, the association reported here suggests a common predisposition to both tumors. Careful examination of the pancreas is warranted in cases of microcystic adenoma to rule out a possible coexistent pancreatic carcinoma.