Acinar Cell Cystadenoma of the Pancreas: Report of Three Cases and Literature Review

Introduction Acinar cell cystadenoma (ACC) of the pancreas was first described as a distinct pancreatic cystic neoplasm in 2002. Methods We have encountered three cases of ACC at our institution in addition to the 15 cases reported to date in the world literature. The gender distribution in the total cohort of patients with ACC slightly favored females (61 % female), and the median age was 49.5 years. Results Almost half (53 %) of the cases were identified incidentally, while the remainder presented with abdominal pain. The median tumor diameter was 5 cm in size, and no patients have had documented disease recurrence or progression, even in the setting of an incomplete resection. Conclusion These findings suggest a relatively indolent biology, and that complete resections are curative. As we will show, surgical resection is warranted to treat symptoms and prevent local extension or malignant transformation.