Intraductal papillary mucinous tumor of the pancreas

BACKGROUND: Since 1996 the classification of pancreatic tumors was replaced by the new World Health Organization nomenclature. Formerly mucinous cysta denomas are now distinguished between intraductal papillary mucinous tumors of the pancreas (IPMT) and mucinous cystadenomas. METHODS: We reevaluated the pathological specimen and surgical therapy of 2 3 consecutive patients and followed up these patients up for 4 years in med ian. Between 1987 and 1997 we treated 8 patients with IPMT and 15 patients with mucinous cystadenomas. RESULTS: Eighty-five per cent of all patients were symptomatic. Ultrasonogr aphy and computed tomography were the most sensitive diagnostic techniques. In 25%, the entire pancreas was involved with IPMT; that was not the case in any of the patients with mucinous cystadenoma. All patients were resecte d with no perioperative mortality. After dismissal from the hospital, all r esected patients are still alive after a median follow-up of 4 years. In no patient with IPMT, but in 15 patient with mucinous cystadenoma, the tumor recurred. CONCLUSION: Surgical resection is the treatment of choice in all cystic tum ors, and the late outcome of IPMT is as good as for mucinous cystadenoma. ( C) 1999 by Excerpta Medica, Inc.