Mucinous Cystic Pancreatic Neoplasms

Mucinous cystic pancreatic neoplasms (MCPNs) are mucin-producing cystic lesions of the exocrine pancreas, usually located in the pancreatic body and tail. While mostly benign, MCPNs can harbor foci of dysplasia and progress to invasive adenocarcinoma. MCPNs must be differentiated from other pancreatic cystic lesions, including benign entities such as serous cystadenomas and premalignant lesions such as intraductal pancreatic mucinous neoplasms. MCPNs are often asymptomatic and incidental findings on cross-sectional imaging. Improvements in diagnostic imaging and endoscopic techniques have increased the accuracy of diagnosis of MCPNs and helped clinicians formulate appropriate treatment plans. Given their malignant potential, all MCPNs should be excised in patients fit to undergo surgery. This activity will review the epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, histologic characteristics, clinical presentation, evaluation, and management of patients with MCPNs and highlight the role of the interprofessional team caring for patients with these pancreatic lesions.