# Benign Etiology for High-Risk Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm: A Case Report and Literature Review

## TL;DR

This case report highlights a rare instance where a high-risk pancreatic tumor turned out to be benign, challenging current diagnostic guidelines.

## Contribution

The paper presents a novel case of benign intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm with high-risk features and discusses its possible etiology.

## Key findings

- A patient with high-risk features had no malignancy or high-grade dysplasia.
- The case suggests limitations in the Fukuoka guidelines for risk stratification.
- The paper reviews literature on risk factors for these neoplasms.

## Abstract

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms are relatively common and entail a variable risk of malignant potential. The Fukuoka guidelines present criteria for the risk of malignant transformation and are used for risk stratification and treatment decision-making. However, these guidelines entail some fallibility with limited sensitivity and specificity. In this case, we present an individual who had many of the hallmarks of malignant transformation but was found to have no evidence of malignancy or high-grade dysplasia. We discuss the suspected etiology of this individual’s condition and how it might arise in others, as well as a brief review of the literature on risk factors in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms.