MRCP shows a unilocular cystic lesion at the tail of the pancreas, 2.5 cm in diameter, with thin walls, no mural nodules, and no communication with the main pancreatic duct on secretin-MRCP. The patient is a 35-year-old woman with no symptoms. This finding is MOST consistent with:
- A Serous cystadenoma (microcystic adenoma)
- B Mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN) ✓
- C Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) branch-duct type
- D Pseudocyst
Correct answer: B. Mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN)
Explanation
Mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN) of the pancreas characteristically occurs in middle-aged women, predominantly at the body/tail, is unilocular or macrolocular (large cysts), lacks communication with the main pancreatic duct, and has an ovarian-type stroma histologically. Serous cystadenoma is typically microcystic with a central scar. Branch-duct IPMN communicates with the pancreatic duct. Pseudocysts occur in the context of pancreatitis history.
Reference: Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.