Pregnancy-associated mucinous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas - A systematic review

Mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCN) are mucin-producing epithelial cell tumors of pancreas. They consist of an ovarian-type stroma expressing estrogen and progesterone receptors. Pregnancy-associated MCNs are presumed to be larger in size and more aggressive without any concrete evidence. and Data Sources: Systematic review of published literature using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Original articles including case reports and series published between 1970&2021 were included wherein MCN was diagnosed during pregnancy/within one-year post-partum. Thirty-three publications having 36 cases, adding one of our own patient were analyzed in this review. Median age at presentation was 32 years. Only three (9%) patients were asymptomatic. Mean size of MCN was 135 mm. Ten patients (27%) reported an increase in size during pregnancy. Most tumors involved body and tail of pancreas (60%). Distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy was the most common resection performed (57%). No foetal mortality was reported to date. Pregnancy may cause a rapid increase in size of MCN. Decision-making is more complex and needs a fine balance between optimal oncological and obstetric outcomes. •MCN during pregnancy may be more aggressive.•They are more symptomatic during pregnancy when compared to general population.•Despite evidence of aggressive growth, no significant difference in tumour biology is reported when associated with pregnancy.•No definitive correlation between receptor expression profile and rate of tumour growth of MCN during pregnancy is reported.•Surgical decision making is complex and emphasis should be on the safety of both mother and child.