Serous adenomas are noncancerous growths that can arise from glandular tissue cells in organs such as the pancreas and ovaries. They can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloating, and may require surgical removal. In rare cases, they can become malignant.
An adenoma is a noncancerous growth, or benign tumor, that develops from glandular tissue cells. This glandular origin means that a tumor can arise from serous cells, which normally secrete an aqueous fluid, or mucinous cells, which would produce mucus. A serous adenoma typically develops from serous cells in an organ such as the pancreas or ovary. Serous adenomas of the pancreas are rare and may contain fluid-filled spaces or cysts, in which case they are generally known as cystadenomas. Cystadenomas, which can be serous or mucinous, also develop in the ovaries, and in some cases, a serous adenoma found in the pancreas or ovaries can be a solid tumor.
A serous adenoma of the ovary is formed from epithelial tissue that is similar to the epithelium lining the fallopian tubes. These types of growths are most commonly found in women in their 40s and 60s and may cause no symptoms or health complications. When symptoms do occur, they may include lower back or abdominal pain, bloating, or an increased need to urinate. A serous adenoma can cause the ovary to twist, cutting off the blood supply, in which case more severe pain would be felt. Occasionally, cystic tumors can rupture or bleed.
In the pancreas, a serous adenoma is typically benign, unlike mucinous tumors, which can be benign or cancerous. Serous cystadenomas occur more commonly than mucinous tumors, but it can be difficult to distinguish between the two on ultrasound scans, so a CT or computed tomography scan and an MRI or MRI scan may also be needed. A sample of cells can be extracted from the tumor using a fine needle and studied under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis. Symptoms associated with pancreatic serous cystadenomas can include abdominal pain and bouts of pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas.
Although a serous adenoma is typically benign, in rare cases it is possible for some tumors to transform and become malignant. Treatment of a serous adenoma varies depending on the location. A pancreatic tumor that is causing symptoms can be managed surgically, and in some cases laparoscopic or keyhole surgical techniques can be used to remove the tumor. For ovarian cancer, the adenoma can be removed along with the ovary using keyhole surgery or conventional surgery. When a tumor accidentally discovered during another investigation causes no problems and is identified as benign, it is best left alone.
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