Natural History of Pancreatic Cysts

Abstract

Pancreatic cystic neoplasms are discovered with increasing frequency. Accurate knowledge of the natural history of cystic neoplasms is crucial to develop useful and cost-effective strategies for surveillance and surgical resection. To date, the natural history of cystic neoplasms is still incomplete due to lack of adequate diagnostic accuracy in the absence of surgical pathology. Nevertheless, current evidence points to risk factors for malignant transformation to help clinical management. New biomarkers that accurately distinguish cyst neoplasms and those most likely to progress to cancer would help clarify the natural history of cystic neoplasms.

Keywords: Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN); Mucinous cystic neoplasm; Natural history; Pancreatic cystic neoplasms; Serous cystadenoma.