Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas: report of five cases and review of the literature

Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas make up a group of uncommon tumors. Their relevance lies upon their favorable prognosis after resection and the fact of being commonly mistaken with pseudocysts. Based on five patients treated at our hospital in the last few years we make an update review of the lite rature on these tumors. To note the role that imaging and puncture-aspirati on techniques can play for diagnosis. We conclude that when a cystic lesion of the pancreas is found, the diagnosis of cystic neoplasm must be conside red, thus avoiding delays in surgical resections which may condition the pa tient's prognosis.