Expected headings
"Ultrasound/CT/MRI"
"Related topics"
"Several publications use the term simple cyst of the pancreas loosely, as a catch-all term for small cysts in the pancreas which are indeterminate and often turn out to be benign; however, in these studies, very few of these lesions are ever resected leaving their ultimate pathological nature unknown 2,4."
"In adults true simple pancreatic cysts are rare; mean age of diagnosis is 45 years, with a female predilection, and they are more likely in the tail of the pancreas 5. True prevalence of simple pancreatic cysts in adults is likely underestimated as many small cysts seen on modern cross-sectional imaging are only followed-up without any attempt at definitive pathological characterisation."
"Simple pancreatic cysts are lined by a monolayer of cuboidal epithelium and contain simple fluid, without debris or haemorrhage, or superinfection. Indeed they are structurally identical to simple cysts in other viscera, e.g. renal. The fluid has few cells within it with mixed inflammatory cells. Analysis of the fluid demonstrates low levels of amylase, lipase and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) 5. They are benign and do not show malignant transformation."
"Features on imaging are the same as uncomplicated simple cysts in other organs, e.g. renal. Therefore pure fluid-density contents with an imperceptible wall, no solid elements, septa or enhancement. No calcification or haemorrhage will be present. In addition the background appearance of the pancreas will be unremarkable, with no communication between the cyst and the pancreatic ducts (cf. pancreatic pseudocyst)."