Skip to main content
Surgical Case Reports
Surgical Case Reports Cover Image
Download PDF

Mucinous cystic neoplasm of the pancreas activated during pregnancy

Surgical Case Reports volume 1, Article number: 13 (2015) Cite this article

Abstract

The characteristic histological feature of pancreatic mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN) is ovarian-like stroma (OS) underlying the epithelium and existence of estrogen receptors and progesterone receptors in the nucleus of OS. We experienced a case of pancreatic MCN which was activated during pregnancy and confirmed the existence of estrogen receptors and progesterone receptors. In cases with potential factors for malignancy, surgical resection of MCN may be needed during pregnancy. On the other hand, in cases without these, as female sex hormones may have an influence on the behavior of pancreatic MCN during pregnancy, the timing of surgery should be decided on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the status of the malignancy, the stage of the pregnancy, and the condition of the mother and fetus.

Background

A mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN) is relatively rare, accounting for about 8% of resected cystic lesions of the pancreas [1]. And the characteristic histological feature is ovarian-like stroma (OS) underlying the epithelium [2]. As with an ovarian MCN, estrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (PgR) are expressed in OS of pancreatic MCN [3], indicating that female sex hormones may have an influence on the behavior of pancreatic MCN, especially during pregnancy. We experienced a patient with pancreatic MCN which was activated during the pregnancy. Herein, we introduce the case, together with a literature review of MCN during pregnancy.

Case presentation

A 33-year-old woman who was 4 months pregnant complained of left back pain. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a 60-mm cystic mass in the body and tail of the pancreas without a mural nodule or thickening of the wall (Figure 1a). The serum cancer antigen (CA) 19-9 level was elevated, at 92 U/mL (normal level is <37 U/mL), and then rapidly rose to 2,157 U/mL just before delivery.

Figure 1
figure1

Imaging studies. (a) A 60-mm cystic mass was detected in the body and tail of the pancreas without a mural nodule or thickening of the wall by abdominal ultrasound (during the fourth month of gestation). (b) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a 76 × 69-mm cystic tumor (arrow), in which the contents were hyperintense in T2-weighted imaging. There were septa in the tumor, and one part of it was thickened and enhanced. (c) Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) showed high uptake (arrow) in part of the cystic tumor (SUVmax 3.03).

Full size image

The patient's antenatal course was uneventful, and the delivery was normal. After delivery, magnetic resonance imaging revealed that the cystic tumor was 76 mm in diameter, with a thickening septum seen on T2-weighted imaging (Figure 1b). In addition, fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) showed an abnormally high uptake in part of the cystic tumor (Figure 1c). As FDG-PET/CT imaging indicated that malignancy could not be excluded, the patient underwent distal pancreatectomy on the 14th day after delivery (Figure 2a,b). Microscopically, the cyst wall was lined with benign mucinous columnar epithelium underlying OS (Figure 3a). In addition, immunohistochemical analysis showed that both ER and PgR were partially positive in the nucleus of OS (Figure 3b,c).

Figure 2
figure2

Intraoperative findings and macroscopic observations. (a) A smooth cystic tumor occupied the body and tail of pancreas (arrowheads indicating the tumor). Distal pancreatectomy was performed. (b) The cut surface of the tumor showing a large cyst without solid components.

Full size image
Figure 3
figure3

Analysis of pancreatic mucinous cystic adenoma by immunohistochemistry. (a) The cyst wall was lined with benign mucinous columnar epithelium underlying OS (Hematoxylin and eosin, ×100). (b) Immunohistochemical studies showed partial positive staining for estrogen receptors in the nucleus of ovarian-type stroma (×100). (c) Immunohistochemical studies showed partial positive staining for progesterone receptors in the nucleus of ovarian-type stroma (×100).

Full size image

All pancreatic MCNs should be resected because they are considered as having malignant potential [4]. As increase in tumor size, mural nodules, and eggshell calcification predict malignant MCN [5], the ideal strategy is to remove the MCN surgically before these predictors develop. However, it is difficult to determine the best timing for surgery when pancreatic MCN is detected during pregnancy. There are several points of view. First, an accurate diagnosis of malignancy is difficult, especially for borderline cases. Second, it is necessary to consider the effects of surgery on the mother and the fetus.

We analyzed the clinical characteristics of MCNs detected during pregnancy according to data extracted from our case and previous reports [6-24], as well as our own experience (Table 1). In the reports reviewed, 12 patients underwent surgery during pregnancy, and neither miscarriage nor operation-related death occurred in any of the patients. Eight patients underwent operation after delivery. Regarding histopathological diagnosis, 14 patients were diagnosed with benign MCN, and 6 patients, 3 patients underwent operation during pregnancy and 3 patients after delivery, were diagnosed with adenocarcinoma. Among the six patients with adenocarcinoma, at least four patients were alive 1 year after resection.

Table 1 Literatures review of clinical characteristics of mucinous cystic neoplasm during pregnancy
Full size table

Importantly, in our case, we also confirmed the existence of ER and PgR. In addition, we confirmed rapid growth of MCN during pregnancy in nine patients, and at least seven patients of them showed positive staining for ER or PgR. Interestingly, Tanaka et al. reported a case of MCN developing during continuous hormone replacement therapy after hysterectomy. These findings suggested that the existence of ER and PgR might contribute to the activation of MCN during pregnancy.

Although the cutoff value of size and the mural nodule diameter for predicting malignancy has not been determined, it was generally reported that factors for predicting malignant MCN were large size and the existence of mural nodes [25]. In our case, we detected not only the two signs of malignant MCN but also an elevated CA19-9 level from 92 to 2,157 U/mL. A CA19-9 concentration >37 U/mL had a positive predictive value of 95.7% for potentially malignant lesions, but only showed a sensitivity of 35.8% [26]. In Table 1, five of the six patients showed the elevation of serum CA19-9 level, and the serum CA19-9 level of the patient with adenocarcinoma was remarkably higher. However, we could not find any relationships between the expression of hormone receptors and CA19-9 level, so further studies are necessary to validate the relationship between tumor markers and clinicopathological features including malignancy and hormone receptors.

In cases with potential factors for malignancy like large size and thickening septum, surgical resection of MCN may be needed. On the other hand, no findings of malignancy may enable the extension of surgical resection until delivery. In evaluating the possibility of malignant status of a MCN, consideration must be given to the stage of pregnancy and the condition of the mother and the fetus, and the timing of surgery should be decided on a case-by-case basis. Moreover, in view of the existence of ER and PgR, careful observation is necessary concerning the growth and progression of MCN.

Conclusions

In cases with potential factors for malignancy, surgical resection of MCN may be needed during pregnancy. On the other hand, in cases without these, as female sex hormones may have an influence on the behavior of pancreatic MCN during pregnancy, the timing of surgery should be decided on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the status of the malignancy, the stage of the pregnancy, and the condition of the mother and fetus.

Consent

Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report and any accompanying images. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editor-in-Chief of this journal.

Abbreviations

CA19-9:

cancer antigen 19-9

ER:

estrogen receptors

FDG-PET/CT:

fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography

MCN:

mucinous cystic neoplasm

MRI:

magnetic resonance imaging

NA:

not available

OS:

ovarian-like stroma

PgR:

progesterone receptors

SUVmax:

maximum standardized uptake value

References

  1. 1.

    Kosmahl M, Pauser U, Peters K, Sipos B, Luttges J, Kremer B, et al. Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas and tumor-like lesions with cystic features: a review of 418 cases and a classification proposal. Virchows Arch. 2004;445(2):168–78. doi:10.1007/s00428-004-1043-z.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. 2.

    Compagno J, Oertel JE. Mucinous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas with overt and latent malignancy (cystadenocarcinoma and cystadenoma). A clinicopathologic study of 41 cases. Am J Clin Pathol. 1978;69(6):573–80.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. 3.

    Izumo A, Yamaguchi K, Eguchi T, Nishiyama K, Yamamoto H, Yonemasu H, et al. Mucinous cystic tumor of the pancreas: immunohistochemical assessment of “ovarian-type stroma”. Oncol Rep. 2003;10(3):515–25.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. 4.

    Tanaka M, Fernandez-del Castillo C, Adsay V, Chari S, Falconi M, Jang JY, et al. International consensus guidelines 2012 for the management of IPMN and MCN of the pancreas. Pancreatology. 2012;12(3):183–97. doi:10.1016/j.pan.2012.04.004.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. 5.

    Warshaw AL, Compton CC, Lewandrowski K, Cardenosa G, Mueller PR. Cystic tumors of the pancreas. New clinical, radiologic, and pathologic observations in 67 patients. Ann Surg. 1990;212(4):432–43. discussion 44–5.

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. 6.

    Smithers BM, Welch C, Goodall P. Cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas presenting in pregnancy. Br J Surg. 1986;73(7):591.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. 7.

    Baiocchi C, Landonio G, Majno M, Minola E, Scanzi F, Ghislandi E. Pancreatic cystadenocarcinoma and pregnancy: a case report. Tumori. 1990;76(3):294–5.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. 8.

    Olsen M, Greer M, Feintuch T. Pancreatic mucinous cystadenoma during pregnancy. Am J Gynecol Health. 1993;4:27–30.

    Google Scholar 

  9. 9.

    Ganepola GA, Gritsman AY, Asimakopulos N, Yiengpruksawan A. Are pancreatic tumors hormone dependent?: A case report of unusual, rapidly growing pancreatic tumor during pregnancy, its possible relationship to female sex hormones, and review of the literature. Am Surg. 1999;65(2):105–11.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. 10.

    Kato M, Kubota K, Kita J, Shimoda M, Rokkaku K, Inaba N, et al. Huge mucinous cystadenoma of the pancreas developing during pregnancy: a case report. Pancreas. 2005;30(2):186–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. 11.

    Matsunaga T, Kato T, Tamura M. A case of rapidly growing pancreatic cystadenocarcinoma during pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol Pract. 2005;54(9):1483–6.

    Google Scholar 

  12. 12.

    Lopez-Tomassetti Fernandez EM, Martin Malagon A, Arteaga Gonzalez I, Muniz Montes JR, Diaz Luis H, Gonzalez Hermoso F, et al. Mucinous cystic neoplasm of the pancreas during pregnancy: the importance of proper management. J Hepato-Biliary-Pancreat Surg. 2005;12(6):494–7. doi:10.1007/s00534-005-1005-0.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. 13.

    Herring AA, Graubard MB, Gan SI, Schwaitzberg SD. Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas during pregnancy. Pancreas. 2007;34(4):470–3. doi:10.1097/mpa.0b013e31803799d8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. 14.

    Ozden S, Haliloglu B, Ilter E, Akin FT, Kebudi A, Peker O. An extremely rare cause of acute abdomen in pregnancy: ruptured pancreatic mucinous cystadenocarcinoma. Pancreas. 2007;34(4):474–6. doi:10.1097/mpa.0b013e31803799ee.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. 15.

    Ishikawa K, Hirashita T, Kinoshita H, Kitano M, Matsuo S, Matsumata T, et al. Large mucinous cystadenoma of the pancreas during pregnancy: report of a case. Surg Today. 2007;37(11):1013–7. doi:10.1007/s00595-007-3500-1.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. 16.

    Ikuta S, Aihara T, Yasui C, Iida H, Yanagi H, Mitsunobu M, et al. Large mucinous cystic neoplasm of the pancreas associated with pregnancy. World J Gastroenterol. 2008;14(47):7252–5.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. 17.

    Hakamada K, Miura T, Kimura A, Nara M, Toyoki Y, Narumi S, et al. Anaplastic carcinoma associated with a mucinous cystic neoplasm of the pancreas during pregnancy: report of a case and a review of the literature. World J Gastroenterol. 2008;14(1):132–5.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. 18.

    Wiseman JE, Yamamoto M, Nguyen TD, Bonadio J, Imagawa DK. Cystic pancreatic neoplasm in pregnancy: a case report and review of the literature. Arch Surg. 2008;143(1):84–6. doi:10.1001/archsurg.2007.4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. 19.

    Brown TH, Menon VS, Richards DG, Griffiths AP. Gastrointestinal bleeding in a pregnant woman: mucinous cystic neoplasm of pancreas mimicking gastrointestinal stromal tumor of stomach. J Hepato-Biliary-Pancreat Surg. 2009;16(5):681–3. doi:10.1007/s00534-009-0159-6.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. 20.

    Shirakawa S, Matsumoto I, Nakayama S, Mukubo H, Toyama H, Shinzeki M, et al. Mucinous cystic neoplasm of the pancreas associated with pregnancy: report of two cases. Nihon Shokakibyo Gakkai Zasshi. 2010;107:1828–34.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. 21.

    Asciutti S, Kanninen TT, Clerici G, Nardi E, Castellani D, Di Renzo GC, et al. Acute pancreatitis with a mucinous cystoadenoma of the pancreas in pregnancy. Anticancer Res. 2010;30(3):1025–8.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. 22.

    Naganuma S, Honda K, Noriki S, Kimura S, Murakami M, Koneri K, et al. Ruptured mucinous cystic neoplasm with an associated invasive carcinoma of pancreatic head in a pregnant woman: report of a case and review of literature. Pathol Int. 2011;61(1):28–33. doi:10.1111/j.1440-1827.2010.02609.x.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. 23.

    Boyd CA, Benarroch-Gampel J, Kilic G, Kruse EJ, Weber SM, Riall TS. Pancreatic neoplasms in pregnancy: diagnosis, complications, and management. J Gastrointest Surg. 2012;16(5):1064–71. doi:10.1007/s11605-011-1797-y.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. 24.

    Tsuda H, Kotani T, Sumigama S, Mano Y, Shimoyama Y, Kikkawa F. Mucinous cystic neoplasm of the pancreas with severe dysplasia during pregnancy: case report and review of the literature. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol. 2012;51(4):635–8. doi:10.1016/j.tjog.2012.09.022.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. 25.

    Yamao K, Yanagisawa A, Takahashi K, Kimura W, Doi R, Fukushima N, et al. Clinicopathological features and prognosis of mucinous cystic neoplasm with ovarian-type stroma: a multi-institutional study of the Japan pancreas society. Pancreas. 2011;40(1):67–71. doi:10.1097/MPA.0b013e3181f749d3.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. 26.

    Fernandez-del Castillo C, Alsfasser G, Targarona J, Brugge WR, Warshaw AL. Serum CA 19-9 in the management of cystic lesions of the pancreas. Pancreas. 2006;32(2):220. doi:10.1097/01.mpa.0000202946.72493.74.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

No funding was received for this study.

We thank Marilyn Carlson who provided medical writing services on behalf of Forte Inc.

Author information

Affiliations

  1. Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan

    Keisuke Kosumi, Hiroshi Takamori, Daisuke Hashimoto, Hiroshi Tanaka, Shinya Abe, Osamu Nakahara, Kei Horino & Hideo Baba

Authors
  1. Keisuke Kosumi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Hiroshi Takamori
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Daisuke Hashimoto
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Hiroshi Tanaka
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Shinya Abe
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Osamu Nakahara
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Kei Horino
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Hideo Baba
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Hideo Baba.

Additional information

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Authors’ contributions

KK carried out the acquisition of data and drafted the manuscript. HT and DH involved in drafting the manuscript. HT, SA, ON, and KH carried out the acquisition of data. HB has given final approval of the version to be published. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Kosumi, K., Takamori, H., Hashimoto, D. et al. Mucinous cystic neoplasm of the pancreas activated during pregnancy. surg case rep 1, 13 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40792-014-0012-2

Download citation

Keywords

  • Mucinous cystic neoplasm
  • Pancreas
  • Activation
  • Pregnancy