Published online May 28, 2023. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i20.3119
Peer-review started: March 3, 2023
First decision: April 12, 2023
Revised: April 21, 2023
Accepted: May 4, 2023
Article in press: May 4, 2023
Published online: May 28, 2023
Mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs) are recognized as precursor lesions of pancreatic cancer. Despite their rarity, the detection of MCNs is on the rise due to advancements in preoperative imaging techniques. Thus, there is a pressing need to increase our knowledge of MCNs to ensure that patients receive the most appropriate treatment decisions.
An inadequate understanding of MCNs can hinder the treatment of patients, underscoring the importance of research on MCNs.
To investigate the risk factors for malignancy in MCNs and the prognostic factors associated with MCN-associated invasive carcinoma (MCN-AIC) to advance our comprehension of this uncommon tumour.
This study involved a retrospective analysis of clinical and pathological data, imaging records, and outcomes of patients diagnosed with MCNs at our research centre over a 10-year period. We then investigated the risk factors for malignancy in MCNs and the prognostic factors associated with MCN-AIC.
A total of 48 patients with MCNs, accounting for 2.8% of pancreatic lesions resected during the study period, were included in this study. Among these patients, 36 had benign MCNs, while 12 had malignant MCNs. We conducted a comparative analysis of clinical and imaging features and discovered that age, tumour size, solid components or wall nodules, and pancreatic duct dilation were significantly associated with malignancy. Subsequently, we performed a prognostic analysis of malignant MCNs and observed that all malignant MCNs in our study were at stage I, and extracapsular invasion was identified as a significant prognostic factor for poor outcomes.
Age, tumour size, solid components or wall nodules, and pancreatic duct dilation were independent risk factors associated with malignancy in MCN. In addition, extracapsular invasion was indicative of poor prognosis of MCN-AIC.
The aim of this study was to enhance the management of MCN, a rare disease, by utilizing patient information from our research centre and conducting research from both preoperative and postoperative perspectives. We hope that this study can provide valuable insights into the management of MCNs.