Mucinous cystic neoplasms of the mesentery: a case report and review of the literature.
BACKGROUND
Mucinous cystic neoplasms arise in the ovary and various extra-ovarian sites. While their pathogenesis remains conjectural, their similarities suggest a common pathway of development. There have been rare reports involving the mesentery as a primary tumour site.


METHODS
A cystic mass of uncertain origin was demonstrated radiologically in a 22 year old female with chronic abdominal pain. At laparotomy, the mass was fixed within the colonic mesentery. Histology demonstrated a benign mucinous cystadenoma.


RESULTS
We review the literature on mucinous cystic neoplasms of the mesentery and report on the pathogenesis, biologic behavior, diagnosis and treatment of similar extra-ovarian tumors. We propose an updated classification of mesenteric cysts and cystic tumors.


CONCLUSIONS
Mucinous cystic neoplasms of the mesentery present almost exclusively in women and must be considered in the differential diagnosis of mesenteric tumors. Only full histological examination of a mucinous cystic neoplasm can exclude a borderline or malignant component. An updated classification of mesenteric cysts and cystic tumors is proposed.
Metaxas
Georgios
G
University Hospital of South Manchester, The Nightingale and Genesis Prevention Centre, Southmoor Road, M239LT, Manchester UK. geometa@hotmail.com
Tangalos
Athanasios
A
Pappa
Polyxeni
P
Papageorgiou
Irene
I
D000328:Adult; D018291:Cystadenoma, Mucinous / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008639:Mesenteric Cyst / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy