Elliot K. Fishman M.D.
Johns Hopkins Hospital

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Serous cystadenoma shows low viscosity, low amylase level, and low CEA levels (<5 to 20 ng/mL), with variable levels of pancreatic enzymes such as Amylase isoenzymes and CA-125. Cancer antigen (CA 72-4) level is low as well.

“Classically, pancreatic serous cystadenomas have been described as multilobulated multiloculated cystic masses with central stellate scars and calcifications. However, serous cystadenomas have a wide spectrum of CT appearance, ranging from unilocular cystic masses to hypervascular solid masses, which can mimic other benign and malignant pancreatic masses. Serous cystadenomas can be morphologically classified as polycystic (or microcystic), honeycomb, oligocystic, and solid patterns.”
The many faces of pancreatic serous cystadenoma: Radiologic and pathologic correlation,
L.C. Chu, A.D. Singhi, R.R. Haroun, R.H. Hruban, E.K. Fishman
Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging,Volume 98, Issue 3,2017, Pages 191-202

The many faces of pancreatic serous cystadenoma: Radiologic and pathologic correlation,
L.C. Chu, A.D. Singhi, R.R. Haroun, R.H. Hruban, E.K. Fishman
Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging,Volume 98, Issue 3,2017, Pages 191-202

”The microcystic pattern, or polycystic pattern, is present in 1–2% of all exocrine pancreatic tumors and in 70% cases of serous cystadenomas, and consists of a collection of cysts (usually more than 6) that range from a few millimeters up to 2 cm in size. Fine external lobulations are a common and characteristic feature. A fibrous central scar with or without a stellate pattern of calcifications, seen in 30% of cases, is highly specific for serous cystadenoma. Serous cystadenomas do not usually communicate with the pancreatic duct.”
The many faces of pancreatic serous cystadenoma: Radiologic and pathologic correlation,
L.C. Chu, A.D. Singhi, R.R. Haroun, R.H. Hruban, E.K. Fishman
Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging,Volume 98, Issue 3,2017, Pages 191-202