How are pancreatic tumors diagnosed?
Pancreatic tumors are diagnosed with imaging methods such as tomography, MRI, and MRCP, which shows the bile and pancreatic ducts, and with endosonography.
In the endosonography method, a probe with an ultrasound device is inserted into the stomach together with an endoscope. Since the pancreas is located on the stomach, the tumor in the pancreas can be very well distinguished with this method. For this reason, endosonography is the most determining method for the presence of a tumor
Is every tumor in the pancreas cancer?
Not every tumor occurring in the pancreas is pancreatic cancer. There are two different types of tumors; fluid-filled cystic tumors and solid (hard) tumors. Cystic tumors are also divided into subgroups among themselves. Although some cystic tumors are perfectly harmless, various types carry a 25 to 45 percent risk of cancer.
What is pancreatic cystic tumor?
Pancreatic cystic tumor is a fluid-filled tumor. This fluid can be of two types: serous and mut serous. Serous fluid looks more like water and is clear. Mut serous is a slimy, sticky liquid.
What are the symptoms of pancreatic cystic tumors?
Symptoms vary depending on the location of the tumor in the pancreas. Tumors in the outer parts of the pancreas do not cause any symptoms; however, pain may be felt if there is pressure on the vein. In some cases, the cause behind the disease thought to be pancreatitis may also be a pancreatic tumor. Therefore, the symptoms need to be investigated thoroughly.
What are cystic tumors of the pancreas and how are they treated?
Pancreatic cysts are divided into four main groups. The treatment process is planned according to the type of cyst.
i. Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia:
IPMN (Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasia) tumors are slimy tumors arising from the pancreatic duct. IPMNs occur in the side branches of the pancreatic duct. Because IPMN secretes a slimy fluid into the pancreatic duct, the pancreatic ducts expand and cysts may form on the sides of the pancreas. The risk of IPMN tumors exceeding 3-4 cm in size turning into cancer is 25-30 percent. However, it may take years for these tumors to reach this size. Therefore, regular follow-up of patients is of great importance. Since the cancer risk of IPMNs on the main duct is very high, surgical treatment is applied for such tumors exceeding 5 mm.
ii. Mucinous cystic neoplasia
Pancreatic tumors (MCN – Mucinous Cystic Neoplasia) that produce sticky fluid inside occur in cells that produce mucosa. It is mostly seen in women. The risk of these tumors becoming cancerous is 25 percent. MCN tumors exceeding 3 cm in length must be removed surgically.
iii. Serous cystic neoplasia
Serous Cystic Neoplasia, which is formed by cells that originate from parts of the pancreatic tract and do not produce mucosa, is generally benign. Serous cyst adenomas are tumors with very small cavities that give the tumor a spongy appearance. These tumors, which occur in the body and tail of the pancreas, occur mostly in women.
Since the risk of turning into cancer is extremely low, cases where these cysts are removed surgically are rare.
iv. Solid pseudopapillary neoplasia
Another type of tumor frequently seen in women is solid pseudopapillary neoplasia, which occurs mostly at a young age. These tumors are most commonly seen in the tail of the pancreas. Solid pseudopapillary neoplasia tumors can be benign or malignant. For this reason, they may need to be removed surgically, depending on the results of the examinations performed with imaging techniques. Although rare, they carry the risk of metastasizing to other organs.
