Management of cystic and solid pancreatic incidentalomas: a review analysis

Abstract

Incidentally discovered pancreatic lesions that are asymptomatic have become much more common in recent years. It is important to characterize these lesions and to determine which patients can be safely observed and which should undergo an operation, as a substantial proportion of them might be malignant or premalignant. This review focus on the diagnostic approach and management of the different types of cystic and solid incidental pancreatic lesions based on appropriate clinical input, imaging screening and histological criteria. The task of developing guidelines to deal with an incidentally found pancreatic lesion, however, is much more complex and controversial than with other organs incidentalomas. In most series, pancreatic incidentalomas (PIs) <2 cm and of cystic appearance are likely to be benign, whereas those >2 cm are usually premalignant or malignant. Serous cystadenomas can reach very large size and are usually benign lesions. The presence of a solid mass or a mural nodule in a cystic lesion along with main pancreatic duct dilatation, thick septations and biliary obstruction are considered features suspicious of malignancy. Mucinous cystic neoplasms and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms are malignant or lesions of malignant potential and need surgical exploration. Solid lesions are much more likely to be premalignant or malignant and most of patients will undergo resection. The decision to operate rather than follow a solid lesion is a matter of tumor size and of clinical judgment based on the age and patient comorbidities. The present study should serve as a general guide and not applied as strict principles. Key words: cystic pancreatic incidentalomas, diagnostic approach, management, solid pancreatic incidentalomas.