What to Know About Mucinous Cystic Neoplasms (MCNs) of the Pancreas
Your pancreas is an organ that sits behind your stomach and helps with digestion by producing enzymes and hormones, including insulin.
Sometimes your pancreas can produce cysts. There are many types of cysts, one of which is called a mucinous cyst.
MCNs can be found in other parts of your The body., but they will refer to those in your pancreas.
Read on to learn more about what causes and how to treat Pancreatic MCNs.
It is helpful to break down the meaning of the words to better understand what mucinous cysts are.
- Mucinous: means made of mucin, which is the main component in mucus
- Cystic: means cyst-like, which is an abnormal sac that can develop in your tissues
- Neoplasm: serves as another word for tumor
Your pancreas has sacs that are fluid-filled.
MCNs are found almost exclusively in females between the ages of 40 and 60, with a prevalence rate of
MCNs can be cancerous or precancerous (high-grade dysplasia), but this is only the case about 10% of the time.
Pancreatic cysts
While more research is needed, experts estimate
- Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs): IPMNs are the most common pancreatic cysts and occur in the ducts that connect your pancreas to your other organs.
- Serous cystadenomas (SCAs): These represent
between 13% and 23% of pancreatic cysts. Most (but not all) SCAs are asymptomatic and don’t require surveillance. - Cystic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: These make up
between 4% and 7% of pancreatic cysts. They occur equally in males and females, usually ages 60 and above. - Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPNs): SPNs account for
2% of pancreatic cysts , most commonly in females in their 20s. The 5-year survival rate for SPNs is over 98%. - Pseudocysts: These usually only follow a pancreas injury or There is a problem with pancreatitis..
The exact causes of MCNs are unknown, but
It has been noted that ovarian MCNs have the same receptors for estrogen as the Pancreatic MCNs. This provides some evidence for a hormonal cause.
The highest risk group for Pancreatic MCNs is females between the ages of 40 and 60.
“Pancreatic MCNs don’t cause any symptoms.”
If an MCN causes symptoms, these are likely to include:
- There is abdominal pain.
- There is more than enough.
- weight loss
- There is a problem with pancreatitis.
- fatigue
- There is a problem of jaundice.
- Nausea and vomiting.
Doctors use CT scans or MRIs to diagnose pancreatic cysts. You won’t know if your pancreatic cyst is an MCN or another type until after a doctor or medical professional has reviewed these medical scans.
“If you don’t have any symptoms, your MCN is usually discovered because you’re having an abdominal exam.”
Medical scans, such as aCT orMRI, can be used to determine which type of cysts you have. A doctor can perform a physical examination.
You might also need laboratory tests to help gather more information about your cysts. These may include a complete blood count or a comprehensive metabolic panel.
In rare cases, you might also need to have a biopsy. Experts suggest a biopsy procedure called an endoscopic ultrasound using fine needle aspiration.
Your overall health, MCN size and growth rate are all factors that will affect treatment for your Pancreatic MCN. Some benign MCNs can become tumors. It is best to have a benign MCN removed because there is no way to know if it will stay benign or not.
If the doctor thinks you can safely undergo surgery, you will have the MCN removed. This surgery is called a segument. The risks associated with the surgery are low.
If you are not a good candidate for surgery and your MCN is less than 3 cm, you can expect to have medical scans done to monitor your progress.
The four regions of your pancreas are divided into. These are called the:
- Head
- The neck is tight.
- The body.
- The tail is long.
Smaller MCNs are less likely to be cancerous. Pancreatic MCNs smaller than 4 cm were only associated with invasive adenocarcinoma in 0.03% of cases.
While females have a much higher risk of developing MCNs, males have a greater chance of their MCNs being cancerous or precancerous. One
The
What causes pancreatic cysts to grow?
The exact cause is unknown, but your risk of developing pancreatic cysts could increase if you have a history of pancreatic cancer or There is a problem with pancreatitis..
Can MCNs cause There is a problem with pancreatitis. or other disorders of the pancreas?
It’s uncommon, but MCNs can cause recurrent There is a problem with pancreatitis.. If left untreated, MCNs can sometimes lead to cancer.
Can MCNs spread to other organs?
“Most MCNs are benign and don’t spread to other organs. The MCNs can spread to other organs. Experts think this is more common in older adults.”
Is there anything you can do to prevent MCNs from developing?
It is not known if you can prevent MCNs by consuming less alcohol and eating a low fat diet.
Pancreatic MCNs are sacs that can be found in your pancreas.
They are often found when you have your abdomen examined for other reasons. Females are more likely to have Pancreatic MCNs between the ages of 40 and 60.
MCNs can be benign or dangerous. MCNs can become tumors. The most common treatment is to have the MCNs removed.
If you have a history of There is a problem with pancreatitis. or pancreatic cancer, or if you’re feeling symptoms that might be caused by MCNs, talk with a doctor about your concerns. They can help you determine the safest way to monitor your pancreas and minimize your risk of cysts.
