Overview
Serous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas is a very rare type of cancer that starts in the pancreas — the organ behind your stomach that helps with digestion and blood sugar control. It grows from fluid-filled sacs called cysts that form in the pancreas. Unlike most pancreatic cancers, this type starts from cells that normally produce watery (serous) fluid. It is sometimes called malignant serous cystadenoma or serous cystic neoplasm with malignant transformation. The vast majority of serous cystic tumors of the pancreas are benign (not cancerous), which makes this malignant form extremely rare. As the tumor grows, it can press on nearby organs and structures, causing pain, digestive problems, and other symptoms. It may spread (metastasize) to the liver or nearby lymph nodes. Because serous cystic tumors are usually considered harmless, the cancerous version is often not suspected early, which can delay diagnosis. Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the tumor when possible, sometimes combined with chemotherapy or radiation. Because this cancer is so rare, treatment decisions are often guided by what is known about pancreatic cancer in general. Early detection and surgical removal offer the best chance of a good outcome.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Abdominal pain or discomfort, especially in the upper bellyA feeling of fullness or bloating after eating small amountsUnexplained weight lossNausea or vomitingJaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) if the tumor blocks the bile ductA lump or mass that can sometimes be felt in the abdomenLoss of appetiteBack painNew or worsening diabetes or blood sugar problemsFatigue and general weakness
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Serous cystadenocarcinoma of pancreas.
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Rare Disease Specialist
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Serous cystadenocarcinoma of pancreas.
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Caregiver Resources
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Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Has the cancer spread beyond the pancreas, and what does that mean for my treatment options?,Is surgery possible in my case, and what type of surgery would be recommended?,Should I have genetic testing for VHL or other gene changes?,Are there any clinical trials I might be eligible for?,How will treatment affect my digestion and blood sugar, and what support is available?,What follow-up schedule do you recommend to check for recurrence?,Can you refer me to a specialist center with experience in rare pancreatic tumors?
Common questions about Serous cystadenocarcinoma of pancreas
What is Serous cystadenocarcinoma of pancreas?
Serous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas is a very rare type of cancer that starts in the pancreas — the organ behind your stomach that helps with digestion and blood sugar control. It grows from fluid-filled sacs called cysts that form in the pancreas. Unlike most pancreatic cancers, this type starts from cells that normally produce watery (serous) fluid. It is sometimes called malignant serous cystadenoma or serous cystic neoplasm with malignant transformation. The vast majority of serous cystic tumors of the pancreas are benign (not cancerous), which makes this malignant form extremely rar
How is Serous cystadenocarcinoma of pancreas inherited?
Serous cystadenocarcinoma of pancreas follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Serous cystadenocarcinoma of pancreas typically begin?
Typical onset of Serous cystadenocarcinoma of pancreas is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Which specialists treat Serous cystadenocarcinoma of pancreas?
4 specialists and care centers treating Serous cystadenocarcinoma of pancreas are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.