Non-cancerous tumours of the pancreas

A non-cancerous (benign) tumour of the pancreas is a growth that does not spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Non-cancerous tumours are not usually life-threatening. They are typically removed with surgery and do not usually come back (recur).

There are a few types of non-cancerous tumours of the pancreas.

Serous cystic neoplasms (SCNs) are a type of pancreatic cyst. They are the most common non-cancerous tumour of the pancreas. SCNs are formed by many small (1 to 20 mm) fluid-filled cysts that group together to look like a honeycomb or bunch of grapes. SCNs are sometimes called serous cystadenomas (SCAs).

SCNs form in the exocrine tissue around pancreatic ducts, usually in the head or body of the pancreas. They are more common in middle-aged and older women.

SCNs, like other pancreatic cysts, typically cause no symptoms and are only found during an abdominal MRI or CT scan that is done for another reason. They are typically treated with active surveillance. If you have active surveillance, your healthcare team will monitor you for any changes. If an SCN grows and causes symptoms, your healthcare team may recommend surgery to remove it.

Pseudocysts are abnormal fluid-filled sacs that form in or around the pancreas. They are considered a type of pancreatic cyst, but because the walls of these growths are made of tough connective tissue instead of cells, they are not actually cysts.

Pancreatic pseudocysts are usually caused by injury to the pancreas (for example, from a car accident) or inflammation of the pancreas (called pancreatitis), which causes pancreatic juices to leak. The leaked juices become a part of the fluid inside pseudocysts.

Pseudocysts usually form in the tail of the pancreas. They are more common in men.

Like other pancreatic cysts, pseudocysts typically cause no symptoms. They are usually treated with active surveillance. Sometimes pseudocysts will go away on their own. If a pseudocyst causes symptoms or an infection, you may have the cyst drained endoscopically or removed surgically.