Management strategy for multifocal branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas

International evidence-based Kyoto guidelines for the management of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas

This study group aimed to revise the 2017 international consensus guidelines for the management of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) of the pancreas, and mainly focused on five topics; the revision of high-risk stigmata (HRS) and worrisome features (WF), surveillance of non-resected IPMN, surveillance after resection of IPMN, revision of pathological aspects, and investigation of molecular markers in cyst fluid. A new development from the prior guidelines is that systematic reviews were performed for each one of these topics, and published separately to provide evidence-based recommendations. One of the highlights of these new "evidence-based guidelines" is to propose a new management algorithm, and one major revision is to include into the assessment of HRS and WF the imaging findings from endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and the results of cytological analysis from EUS-guided fine needle aspiration technique, when this is performed. Another key element of the current guidelines is to clarify whether lifetime surveillance for small IPMNs is required, and recommends two options, "stop surveillance" or "continue surveillance for possible development of concomitant pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma", for small unchanged BD-IPMN after 5 years surveillance. Several other points are also discussed, including identifying high-risk features for recurrence in patients who underwent resection of non-invasive IPMN with negative surgical margin, summaries of the recent observations in the pathology of IPMN. In addition, the emerging role of cyst fluid markers that can aid in distinguishing IPMN from other pancreatic cysts and identify those IPMNs that harbor high-grade dysplasia or invasive carcinoma is discussed.

Pancreatic Cysts: Radiology

This article reviews the types of pancreatic cysts encountered in Radiologic practice. It summarizes the malignancy risk of each of the following: serous cystadenoma, mucinous cystic tumor, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm main duct and side branch, and some miscellaneous cysts such as neuroendocrine tumor and solid pseudopapillary epithelial neoplasm. Specific reporting recommendations are given. The choice between radiology follow-up versus endoscopic analysis is discussed.

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Molecular Pathology and Predictive Biomarkers

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has an extremely poor prognosis due to the lack of methods or biomarkers for early diagnosis and its resistance to conventional treatment modalities, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies. PDACs are a heterogenous group of malignant epithelial neoplasms with various histomorphological patterns and complex, heterogenous genetic/molecular landscapes. The newly proposed molecular classifications of PDAC based on extensive genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and epigenetic data have provided significant insights into the molecular heterogeneity and aggressive biology of this deadly disease. Recent studies characterizing the tumor microenvironment (TME) have shed light on the dynamic interplays between the tumor cells and the immunosuppressive TME of PDAC, which is essential to disease progression, as well as its resistance to chemotherapy, newly developed targeted therapy and immunotherapy. There is a critical need for the development of predictive markers that can be clinically utilized to select effective personalized therapies for PDAC patients. In this review, we provide an overview of the histological and molecular heterogeneity and subtypes of PDAC, as well as its precursor lesions, immunosuppressive TME, and currently available predictive molecular markers for patients.

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas presenting as a giant abdominal mass: A case report

Introduction

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) constitute a group of rare conditions with a potential for malignant degeneration. The appearance of symptoms should suggest degeneration. This case demonstrates an unusual case of a patient presenting an intestinal type IPMN that was revealed by a large abdominal mass.

Case report

47-year-old woman with a history of hydatid cyst of the liver. The patient was admitted to our hospital for management of large abdominal mass measuring 185 × 128*190 mm. Intra-operative findings showed a voluminous tumor, of approximately 20 cm in all its dimensions, with double solido-cystic component at the expense of the neck and the body of the pancreas. The patient underwent splenopancreatectomy. The histopathological examination confirmed the presence of intestinal type of IPMN of pancreas.

Discussion

Acute pancreatitis is revealed in the majority of cases of IPMNs, related to duct obstruction by secreting mucus plug. IPMNs are rarely the cause of a large abdominal mass. They are cystic lesions of slow evolution, macroscopically visible and rarely macrocystic, unlike serous cystadenoma. The tumor size is a powerful indicator of the malignancy of IPMNs. The current definitive and ideal treatment for main duct and mixed type IMPNs is a surgical resection.

Conclusion

IPMNs are a cystic lesion, rarely revealed by a large mass.

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IPMNs are rarely the cause of a large abdominal mass.

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The tumor size is a powerful indicator of the malignancy of IPMNs.

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The current definitive and ideal treatment for main duct and mixed type IMPNs is surgical resection.

Whole-body MRI for preventive health screening: Management strategies and clinical implications

PURPOSE

To document the diagnostic yields of whole-body MRI (WB-MRI) screening for asymptomatic individuals by using a classification system that categorizes the findings by clinical relevance and provides a flowchart for further investigations, and to determine the influence of WB-MRI findings on clinical decision-making.

METHODS

In this institutional review board-approved study, a retrospective review of individuals who underwent WB-MRI between 2009 and 2020 was conducted, and asymptomatic participants who underwent non-contrast-enhanced comprehensive WB-MRI for screening were enrolled. Participants were classified into four categories based on WB-MRI findings, and those with relevant findings (i.e., categories 3 and 4) were referred for further diagnostic workup. The participants' medical records were investigated, and interviews were conducted to reveal false-negative findings and identify the number of WB-MRI-triggered treatments.

RESULTS

We included 576 participants (377 [65.4 %] men, 199 [34.6 %] women; mean age, 48.40 ± 10.82 years), of which 266 (46.2 %) and 310 (53.8 %) underwent WB-MRI with 1.5 T and 3.0 T magnets, respectively. Approximately one-third of the participants showed clinically relevant findings, and 65 (11.2 %) received a treatment triggered by WB-MRI. Notably, 15 (2.6 %) and 28 (4.8 %) participants had cancers and intracranial aneurysms, respectively. Of the 576 participants, 16 (2.8 %) had false-negative findings, among which five had cancers.

CONCLUSION

WB-MRI yields numerous important findings that trigger therapeutic interventions in a large sample of asymptomatic adults. However, considering its inherent limitations, WB-MRI might be inadequate for detecting malignancies such as colon, thyroid, and breast cancers; thus, it may serve as a complementary screening method for health-conscious individuals.

Diagnosis and Surveillance of Incidental Pancreatic Cystic Lesions: 2017 Consensus Recommendations of the Korean Society of Abdominal Radiology

The occurrence of incidentally detected pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) is continuously increasing. Radiologic examinations including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography have been widely used as the main diagnostic and surveillance methods for patients with incidental PCLs. Although most incidentally detected PCLs are considered benign, they have the potential to become malignant. Currently, we have several guidelines for the management of incidental PCLs. However, there is still debate over proper management, in terms of accurate diagnosis, optimal follow-up interval, and imaging tools. Because imaging studies play a crucial role in the management of incidental PCLs, the 2017 consensus recommendations of the Korean Society of Abdominal Radiology for the diagnosis and surveillance of incidental PCLs approved 11 out of 16 recommendations. Although several challenges remain in terms of optimization and standardization, these consensus recommendations might serve as useful tools to provide a more standardized approach and to optimize care of patients with incidental PCLs.

Diagnostic and treatment of the intraductal papillary mucinous tumor of pancreas

OBJECTIVE

Adjustment of diagnostics and management of the surgical treatment of patients with intraductal papillary mucinous tumor of pancreas.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From 2012 to 2018, 45 patients with intraductal papillary mucinous tumor were observed. During the observation the ultrasound examination, contrast-enhanced computed tomography and magnetic resonance tomography with contrast were used. In 29 cases radical surgery was performed, nonradical in 1 case; case follow-up is chosen for 15 patients.

RESULTS

Intraductal papillary mucinous tumor was diagnosed and the definition of the type of tumor was made on the base of 2 types of imaging methods. Intraductal papillary mucinous tumor type 1 was founded in 5 (11%), whereas intraductal papillary mucinous tumor type 2 was founded in 20 (44,5%) and intraductal papillary mucinous tumor type 3 was observed in 20 (44,5%) cases. Intraductal papillary mucinous tumor associated with carcinoma was observed in 16 cases. Pancreaticoduodenal resection was performed in 20, distal exsection of pancreas was performed in 4 cases (2 in open manner access, 2 in robot-assisted manner), pancreatic head resection was performed in 3 cases (1 in open manner access, 2 in laparoscopic access) and in 2 cases the duodenopancreatectomy was performed. Explorative laparotomy was performed in case of intraductal papillary mucinous tumor type 2 associated with mucilaginous carcinoma and miliary metastasis in the liver. Early postoperative complications were observed in 5 cases (16, 6%): biliary fistula (n=2), postoperative wound infection (n=2), arrosive hemorrhage type B in ISGPS (n=1, was treated in an X-ray endovascular manner). Case follow-up was chosen in 15 cases of intraductal papillary mucinous tumor over the course of 6 to 74 months and disease progression was not observed.

CONCLUSION

Intraductal papillary mucinous tumor is a condition associated with high risk of malignant change and demands early disease detection. The treatment should be provided in medical centers that specialize in the pancreas deceases, where a full patient examination as well as a clear-eyed understanding of diagnostic information with the execution of desirable type of surgical intervention with the guaranty of achievement R0 condition can be offered.

Follow-up of Incidentally Detected Pancreatic Cystic Neoplasms: Do Baseline MRI and CT Features Predict Cyst Growth?

Background Incidental detection of pancreatic cystic neoplasm (PCN) has increased. Since a small percentage of PCNs possess malignant potential, management is challenging. The recently revised American College of Radiology (ACR) recommendations define PCN measurement and growth for different categories based on baseline cyst size. However, no data are available regarding PCN growth rate under the ACR-defined size categories. Purpose To assess growth of incidentally detected PCNs on long-term imaging follow-up using revised ACR recommendations and to evaluate the association between baseline imaging features and growth. Materials and Methods This retrospective study included PCNs with baseline imaging performed between January 2002 and May 2017, with two or more cross-sectional imaging studies performed at least 12 months apart. PCN assessment was based on ACR 2017 recommendations. Cyst features, including location, septations, and mural nodules and multiplicity, were noted. Time to cyst progression (growth by ACR criteria) was examined by using baseline PCN size, among other factors. Results A total of 646 cysts in 390 patients were followed up for a median of 50 months (range, 12-186 months). A total of 184 (28.5%) cysts increased in size, 52 (8.1%) decreased in size, and 410 (63.4%) remained stable. For groups in which baseline PCN size was smaller than 5 mm, 5-14 mm, 15-25 mm, and larger than 25 mm, growth was noted in seven (13.2%), 106 (28.9%), 49 (32.2%), and 22 (29.7%) cysts, respectively. ACR baseline size categories (subhazard ratio: 2.8 [5-14-mm PCN group], 3.4 [15-25-mm PCN group], and 2.7 [>25 mm group], as compared with the <5 mm PCN group; P < .05 for each) demonstrated association with growth. Presence of mural nodules, septations, or lesion multiplicity failed to demonstrate association with growth. Among PCNs smaller than 5 mm at baseline, 100% of PCNs at 3-year follow-up and 94.2% of PCNs at 5-year follow-up were likely to remain stable. Conclusion American College of Radiology baseline size category of 15-25-mm pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCNs) demonstrated the highest (3.1 times) likelihood of growth, as compared with the category of PCNs smaller than 5 mm. PCNs smaller than 5 mm at baseline did not demonstrate growth at 3-year imaging follow-up. © RSNA, 2019 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

[Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of pancreas]

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) is the most common cystic pancreatic tumor. There are 3 ductal types of this tumor depending on localization. Several histological subtypes determine clinical course and prognosis. The problems of diagnosis, surgical treatment and follow-up are reviewed in several guidelines. Literature review devoted to pancreatic IPMN is presented in the article, the latest guidelines are compared.

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas - a cost-effectiveness analysis of management strategies for the branch-duct subtype

BACKGROUND

Branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (BD-IPMN) presents a clinical conundrum. Rigorous long-term surveillance or surgical resection is recommended. The economic consequences of the management have not been fully investigated.

METHODS

A Markov decision model compared 4 strategies for low-risk BD-IPMN: I = upfront total pancreatectomy, II = upfront partial pancreatectomy, III = initial surveillance, IV = watchful waiting. Surveillance was based on the Swedish Guidelines for Pancreatic Cancer. Probabilities and costs were obtained from the participating unit and from the scientific literature. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated and sensitivity analyses were performed by varying relevant parameters. Survival was reported in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs).

RESULTS

Strategy III was the most cost-effective strategy with an ICER of €31 682 compared to strategy IV. Strategy I was the most expensive but yielded the best QALY (9.32). Total number of years, annual risk of pancreatic cancer and annual risk of a low-risk BD-IPMN turning into a high-risk lesion had the greatest impact in the model.

CONCLUSIONS

Initial surveillance seems to be the most cost-effective strategy in the management of low-risk asymptomatic BD-IPMN. However, the possibility of personalized approaches remains to be investigated.

Incidences of Pancreatic Malignancy and Mortality in Patients With Untreated Branch-Duct Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms Undergoing Surveillance: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to pool incidences of increased cyst size, malignant branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD-IPMNs), pancreatic malignancy, and pancreatic malignancy-related death during follow-up (FU) of BD-IPMN patients.

METHODS

Searches were performed from January 2010 to April 2016. All hits were checked on inclusion criteria, and outcomes were extracted. Incidences were pooled. Three subgroups were defined: (1) including only BD-IPMN patients, (2) short-interval FU (maximum 6 months), and (3) long-interval FU (>6 months).

RESULTS

Thirty-one articles were enrolled, including 8455 patients (mean age, 66.4 years). Twenty-two studies included subgroup 1; 10 and 6 studies included, respectively, subgroups 2 and 3. Incidence of increased cyst size was 17.4%. In subgroups 1, 2, and 3, incidences were, respectively, 20.0%, 17.2%, and 31.7%. Incidence of malignant BD-IPMN was 2.5. In subgroups 1, 2, and 3, incidences were, respectively, 3.0%, 2.4%, and 3.3%. Incidence of pancreatic malignancy was 2.6%. In subgroups 1, 2, and 3, incidences were, respectively, 2.3%, 1.2%, and 4.0%. Incidence of death was 0.5%. In subgroups 1, 2, and 3, incidences were, respectively, 0.4%, 0.04%, and 0.12%.

CONCLUSIONS

Although not significant, all incidences on long-interval FU were higher; therefore, short-interval FU seems necessary to find resectable lesions.

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas - epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, and management

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) is one of the most common cystic neoplasms of the pancreas. It is a heterogeneous disease and can be divided into ductal types and morphological subtypes. The incidence of IPMN is increasing, likely due to the widespread use of cross-sectional imaging and a growing elderly population. IPMN poses an increasing demand on the health care system. Current guidelines provide indications for surgery and recommendations for surveillance, but management of IPMN is still challenging in routine clinical practice. In this article, we review current knowledge about IPMN and provide future directions for improving diagnosis and management.

Management of Incidental Pancreatic Cysts: A White Paper of the ACR Incidental Findings Committee

The ACR Incidental Findings Committee (IFC) presents recommendations for managing pancreatic cysts that are incidentally detected on CT or MRI. These recommendations represent an update from the pancreatic component of the JACR 2010 white paper on managing incidental findings in the adrenal glands, kidneys, liver, and pancreas. The Pancreas Subcommittee-which included abdominal radiologists, a gastroenterologist, and a pancreatic surgeon-developed this algorithm. The recommendations draw from published evidence and expert opinion, and were finalized by informal iterative consensus. Algorithm branches successively categorize pancreatic cysts based on patient characteristics and imaging features. They terminate with an ascertainment of benignity and/or indolence (sufficient to discontinue follow-up), or a management recommendation. The algorithm addresses most, but not all, pathologies and clinical scenarios. Our goal is to improve quality of care by providing guidance on how to manage incidentally detected pancreatic cysts.

Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm of the Pancreas: Current Perspectives

In this article, we aimed to review the literature on the clinics and management of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN). Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas is a mucin-producing cystic mass originating from the pancreatic ductal system. Approximately 25% of the pancreatic neoplasms resected surgically and 50% of pancreatic cysts detected incidentally are IPMNs. They can be benign or malignant in character, while malignant transformation of benign forms can be encountered. It is important to determine IPMNs in the early stages, implementation of appropriate treatment approaches, and follow-up to provide better prognosis. We reviewed the studies published in the English medical literature through PubMed and summarized the clinical features and current approaches to the treatment and follow-up of the IPMN. Due to the recent advances and widespread implementation of radiological imaging techniques, the incidental detection rate of IPMNs has increased significantly. The effective treatment of the disease is possible via the detailed diagnosis of the disease, determination of the prognostic factors, and a multidisciplinary approach. Recent literature also emphasized the molecular profile determination approaches for assessment of prognosis of patients with IPMN. Current knowledge on IPMN, a clinically important epidemiologic problem, shows that the treatment should be personalized considering the prognostic features and life expectancy of the patient.

[Recommendations for the diagnosis, staging and treatment of pre-malignant lesions and pancreatic adenocarcinoma]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Clinical management of adenocarcinoma of the pancreas is complex, and requires a multidisciplinary approach. The same applies for the premalignant lesions that are increasingly being diagnosed. The current document is an update on the diagnosis and management of premalignant lesions and adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A conference to establish the basis of the literature review and manuscript redaction was organized by the Grupo Español Multidisciplinar en Cáncer Digestivo. Experts in the field from different specialties (Gastroenterology, Surgery, Radiology, Pathology, Medical Oncology and Radiation Oncology) met to prepare the present document.

RESULTS

The current literature was reviewed and discussed, with subsequent deliberation on the evidence.

CONCLUSIONS

Final recommendations were established in view of all the above.

Prevalence, Diagnosis and Management of Pancreatic Cystic Neoplasms: Current Status and Future Directions

Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas are found with increasing prevalence, especially in elderly asymptomatic individuals. Although the overall risk of malignancy is very low, the presence of these pancreatic cysts is associated with a large degree of anxiety and further medical investigation due to concerns about malignancy. This review discusses the different cystic neoplasms of the pancreas and reports diagnostic strategies based on clinical features and imaging data. Surgical and nonsurgical management of the most common cystic neoplasms, based on the recently revised Sendai guidelines, is also discussed, with special reference to intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN; particularly the branch duct variant), which is the lesion most frequently identified incidentally. IPMN pathology, its risk for development into pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, the pros and cons of current guidelines for management, and the potential role of endoscopic ultrasound in determining cancer risk are discussed. Finally, surgical treatment, strategies for surveillance of pancreatic cysts, and possible future directions are discussed.

Risk of pancreatic malignancy and mortality in branch-duct IPMNs undergoing surveillance: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Safety of non-operative management for low-risk branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD-IPMNs) is debated.

AIM

To perform a systematic review/meta-analysis to determine their risk of developing pancreatic malignancy and of pancreatic malignancy-related deaths.

METHODS

A MEDLINE search was performed and methodology was based on PRISMA statement. Incidence rates of overall pancreatic malignancy, malignant BD-IPMN, IPMN-distinct PDAC, and of pancreatic malignancy-related death rates were calculated by dividing the total number of events by the total number of person-years (pyrs) of follow-up. Heterogeneity was determined by I(2) statistic.

RESULTS

20 studies including 2177 patients were included. Mean follow-up ranged from 29.3 to 76.7 months. Overall, 82 patients (3.7%) developed a pancreatic malignancy with a pooled estimate rate of 0.007/pyrs (I(2)=32.8%). The pooled estimate rate of malignant IPMN was 0.004/pyrs (I(2)=40.8%), and the pooled estimate rate of distinct PDAC 0.002/pyrs (I(2)=0%). The rate of death due to pancreatic malignancy during follow-up was 0.9%, with an overall pooled estimate rate of death of 0.002/pyrs (I(2)=0%).

CONCLUSION

Non-operative management of low-risk BD-IPMN is safe, with a very low risk of malignant transformation of IPMN and of distinct PDAC. The rate of pancreatic malignancy-related mortality is low, particularly when compared with the mortality of pancreatic surgery.

Sub-branch and mixed-type intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas: 2 case reports

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia (IPMN) is one of the cystic neoplasias of the pancreas. The imaging findings provide that these tumors are differentiated from the other cystic lesions of the pancreas, especially from the chronic pancreatitis, where the treatment protocol is completely different. Therefore, the correct diagnosis and classification of the IPMN ensures that the patient receives the correct approach and the appropriate surgery, if necessary. The purpose of this study is to emphasize the imaging findings of the different types of the IPMN and the changes in the management protocol of the patients according to these radiological findings.

Demographic features and natural history of intermediate-risk multifocal versus unifocal intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms

OBJECTIVES

This study compares the progression of multifocal (MF) intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) to unifocal (UF) lesions.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of demographics, risk factors, and cyst characteristics of a prospectively maintained database of 999 patients with pancreatic cysts. Patients included had IPMN under surveillance for 12 months or more. Those with high-risk stigmata were excluded. Cyst size progression and development of worrisome features were compared between MF and UF cohorts. We evaluated whether the dominant cyst in MF-IPMN had more significant growth than did the other cysts.

RESULTS

Seventy-seven patients with MF-IPMN and 54 patients with UF-IPMN, with mean follow-up of 27 and 34 months, met the criteria. There were no significant differences between demographics, risk factors, or initial cyst sizes. Fifty-seven percent of MF dominant cysts and 48% of UF cysts increased in size (P = 0.31). Progression in MF was more likely in the dominant cyst (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the development of mural nodules or increase in cyst size to more than 3 cm.

CONCLUSIONS

Demographics of both cohorts were similar, as was the overall incidence of worrisome features. Because meaningful size progression primarily occurred in the dominant cyst, our findings support surveillance based on the dominant cyst in MF disease.

Treatment of pancreatic cystic neoplasm: surgery or conservative?

Pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCNs) are a heterogeneous group of tumors with distinct biological features. These neoplasms are now being recognized more frequently owing to advances in cross-sectional imaging and increasing awareness. Guidelines for treatment of the common and clinically important PCNs frequently have been revised in view of the continuing controversies and evolving clinical data. This review summarizes the management approaches of the common and clinically important PCNs based on current evidence and guidelines.

Pancreatic cystic neoplasms: management and unanswered questions

Approximately 10% of persons 70 years old or older are now diagnosed with pancreatic cysts, but it is not clear which ones require additional analysis, interventions, or follow-up. Primary care doctors rely on gastroenterologists for direction because no one wants to miss a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, but meanwhile there is pressure to limit use of diagnostic tests and limit costs. We review the different cystic neoplasms of the pancreas and diagnostic strategies based on clinical features and imaging data. We discuss surgical and nonsurgical management of the most common cystic neoplasms, based on the recently revised Sendai guidelines. Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (particularly the branch duct variant) is the lesion most frequently identified incidentally. We report what is known about its pathology, its risk of developing into pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, the pros and cons of current guidelines for management, and the potential role of endoscopic ultrasound in determining cancer risk. We also review surgical treatment and strategies for surveillance of pancreatic cysts.