Biliary Mucinous Cystadenoma: A Review of the Literature

Biliary mucinous cystadenomas are cystic neoplasms commonly mistaken for simple cysts. They are rare and generally benign tumors, often incidentally found on imaging and during unrelated surgical interventions. They tend to be slow growing though may reach symptomatic dimensions. Misdiagnosis of biliary mucinous cystadenomas may have serious consequences secondary to their potential for malignant transformation into biliary mucinous cystadenocarcinomas. Here, we review the epidemiology, etiology, pathology, diagnostic modalities, histology, and available treatment methods for mucinous cystadenomas reported in current literature.