What do intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms look like pathologically?
The main pancreatic duct is the long branching tube-like structure that runs down the center of the pancreas. It collects the digestive enzymes made by the pancreas from branch ducts that run into it like a stream into a river, and delivers them to the intestine (duodenum). Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) arise within one of these ducts. Grossly (using the naked eye), intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) form long thin structures that project into the duct (click here to compare IPMNs with other cycts.). When examined using a microscope, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms can be seen to be composed of tall (columnar) tumor cells that make lots of mucin (thick fluid). Pathologists classify intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) into two broad groups – those that are associated with an invasive cancer and those that are not associated with an invasive cancer. This separation has critical prognostic significance. Patients with a surgically rese
