Serous microcystic adenoma of the pancreas

Abstract

Serous microcystic adenoma (SMA) is a rare benign neoplasm. It accounts for 1-2% of all exocrine pancreatic tumors. It is thought to arise from the ductal epithelial cells. It is usually located in the body and the tail of the pancreas. It is important to identify SMAs and distinguish them from mucinous cystic neoplasm, which can be premalignant or malignant, and pseudocyst, which is a non neoplastic condition. We present one such rare case of SMA occurring in the head of the pancreas, an infrequent location requiring a Whippel′s resection.

Keywords

• Microcystic adenoma
• pancreas
• serous cyst adenoma
• tumor