Mucinous Cystic Neoplasm : Microscopic

Comments:
Degenerative changes are common in mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCN) of pancreas. They include hemorrhage, hemosiderin-deposition, cholesterol clefts, calcification, and sloughing of the lining epithelium.

These features may lead to the mistaken diagnosis of pseudocyst. Due to extensive denudation as well as the possible coexistence of different degrees of dysplasia, thorough sampling is essential to identify even small foci of invasive carcinoma.

In this image, the mucinous epithelium is denuded; however, the distinctive ovarian-type stroma is present and is an important diagnostic clue.