Editorial: Stopping Pancreatic Cyst Surveillance?

Abstract

The management of patients with pancreatic cysts, especially presumed branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD-IPMNs), remains a challenge. BD-IPMNs carry a very low risk of malignancy and occur in predominantly older individuals who often die from causes not related to their pancreatic disease. The specific decision to stop surveillance of presumed low risk BD-IPMNs (those without either worrisome features (WF) or high risk stigmata (HRS)) is controversial, and needs to balance the real risk of malignancy or developing malignancy and IPMN-related mortality, with the patient's life expectancy, quality of life expectations, and mortality from non-pancreatic-related causes. With improved life expectancy, improved survival from non-pancreatic malignancies, rising health costs, and growing detection of ever smaller presumed BD-IPMNs, this issue is becoming ever more critical.