Skip to main content
Top
Published in: World Journal of Surgery 9/2008

01-09-2008

Incidental Pancreatic Cystic Lesions

Authors: Senarath Edirimanne, Saxon J. Connor

Published in: World Journal of Surgery | Issue 9/2008

Login to get access

Abstract

Introduction

Incidental pancreatic cystic lesions (IPCL) are becoming an increasingly frequent clinical entity. Within this review, the differential diagnosis, investigation, and management are discussed.

Methods

A MEDLINE search was performed for IPCL.

Results

Incidence of IPCL varies from 0.2–0.7%, and 30–47% are premalignant or malignant. Pancreatic pseudocysts (PC), serous cystic neoplasms (SCN), intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN), and mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCN) are the most common pathological entities of IPCL. The use of combined modalities, including clinical characteristics, serum tumor markers, cross-sectional imaging, and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) with cyst fluid analysis should all be used to establish an accurate preoperative diagnosis if possible. Modern multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and magnetic resonance pancreatography (MRP) allow detailed characterization of IPCL, including size, septation, calcifications, mural nodules, and communication with main pancreatic duct. The best available cyst fluid markers of mucinous neoplasm are viscosity ≥1.6 and carcinoembryonic antigen >192 ng/ml. Although surgery is indicated for MCN or main or mixed duct IPMN, recent advances in the understanding of the natural history and increasingly accurate preoperative diagnosis allow a nonoperative approach to be undertaken for the majority of IPCL. For those treated nonoperatively, the ideal follow-up has yet to be determined.

Conclusions

Emerging evidence supports selective nonoperative management for the majority of patients who have IPCL when investigated by a multimodal approach. For those in whom a suspicion of malignancy remains, surgery is indicated.
Literature
1.
go back to reference Fernandez-del Castillo DF, Targarona J, Thayer SP et al (2003) Incidental pancreatic cysts: clinicopathological characteristics and comparison with symptomatic patients. Arch Surg 138:427–434PubMedCrossRef Fernandez-del Castillo DF, Targarona J, Thayer SP et al (2003) Incidental pancreatic cysts: clinicopathological characteristics and comparison with symptomatic patients. Arch Surg 138:427–434PubMedCrossRef
2.
go back to reference Goh BKP, Tan Y, Cheow P et al (2006) Cystic lesions of pancreas: an appraisal of aggressive resectional policy adopted at a single institution during 15 years. Am J Surg 192:148–154PubMedCrossRef Goh BKP, Tan Y, Cheow P et al (2006) Cystic lesions of pancreas: an appraisal of aggressive resectional policy adopted at a single institution during 15 years. Am J Surg 192:148–154PubMedCrossRef
3.
go back to reference Spinelli KS, Fromwiller TE, Daniel RA et al (2004) Cystic pancreatic neoplasms: observe or operate. Ann Surg 239:651–659PubMedCrossRef Spinelli KS, Fromwiller TE, Daniel RA et al (2004) Cystic pancreatic neoplasms: observe or operate. Ann Surg 239:651–659PubMedCrossRef
4.
go back to reference Walsh RM, Vogt DP, Henderson JM et al (2005) Natural history of indeterminate pancreatic cysts. Surgery 138:665–671PubMedCrossRef Walsh RM, Vogt DP, Henderson JM et al (2005) Natural history of indeterminate pancreatic cysts. Surgery 138:665–671PubMedCrossRef
5.
go back to reference Allen PJ, D’Angelica M, Gonen M et al (2006) A selective approach to the resection of cystic lesions of the pancreas: results of 539 consecutive patients. Ann Surg 244:572–582PubMed Allen PJ, D’Angelica M, Gonen M et al (2006) A selective approach to the resection of cystic lesions of the pancreas: results of 539 consecutive patients. Ann Surg 244:572–582PubMed
6.
go back to reference Lee SH, Shin CM, Park JK et al (2007) Outcome of cystic lesions in the pancreas after extended follow-up. Dig Dis Sci 52:2653–2659PubMedCrossRef Lee SH, Shin CM, Park JK et al (2007) Outcome of cystic lesions in the pancreas after extended follow-up. Dig Dis Sci 52:2653–2659PubMedCrossRef
7.
go back to reference Salvia R, Crippa S, Falconi M et al (2007) Branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas: to operate or not to operate. Gut 56:1086–1090PubMedCrossRef Salvia R, Crippa S, Falconi M et al (2007) Branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas: to operate or not to operate. Gut 56:1086–1090PubMedCrossRef
8.
go back to reference Kimura W, Nagai H, Kurodu A (1995) Analysis of small cystic lesions of the pancreas. Int J Pancreatol 18:197–206PubMed Kimura W, Nagai H, Kurodu A (1995) Analysis of small cystic lesions of the pancreas. Int J Pancreatol 18:197–206PubMed
9.
go back to reference Yoda Y, Suzuki Y, Yamada K et al (1992) A study of mass survey for pancreatic tumour using ultrasonography [in Japanese]. J Gastroenterol Mass Surv 96:50–55 Yoda Y, Suzuki Y, Yamada K et al (1992) A study of mass survey for pancreatic tumour using ultrasonography [in Japanese]. J Gastroenterol Mass Surv 96:50–55
10.
go back to reference Sahani DV, Kadavigere R, Saokar A et al (2005) Cystic pancreatic lesions: a simple image based classification system for guiding management. Radiographics 25:1471–1484PubMedCrossRef Sahani DV, Kadavigere R, Saokar A et al (2005) Cystic pancreatic lesions: a simple image based classification system for guiding management. Radiographics 25:1471–1484PubMedCrossRef
11.
go back to reference Andren-Sandberg A, Ansorge C, Eiriksson K et al (2005) Treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts. Scand J Surg 94:164–165 Andren-Sandberg A, Ansorge C, Eiriksson K et al (2005) Treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts. Scand J Surg 94:164–165
12.
go back to reference Le Borgne J, de Calan L, Partenski C et al (1999) Cystadenoma and cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas: multi-institutional retrospective study of 398 cases. French surgical association. Ann Surg 230:152–161PubMedCrossRef Le Borgne J, de Calan L, Partenski C et al (1999) Cystadenoma and cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas: multi-institutional retrospective study of 398 cases. French surgical association. Ann Surg 230:152–161PubMedCrossRef
13.
go back to reference Planner AC, Anderson EM, Slater A et al (2007) An evidence based review for the management of cystic pancreatic lesions. Clin Radiol 62:930–937PubMedCrossRef Planner AC, Anderson EM, Slater A et al (2007) An evidence based review for the management of cystic pancreatic lesions. Clin Radiol 62:930–937PubMedCrossRef
14.
go back to reference Curry CA, Eng J, Horton KA et al (2000) CT of primary pancreatic neoplasms: can CT be used for patient triage and treatment? AJR Am J Roentgenol 175:99–103PubMed Curry CA, Eng J, Horton KA et al (2000) CT of primary pancreatic neoplasms: can CT be used for patient triage and treatment? AJR Am J Roentgenol 175:99–103PubMed
15.
go back to reference Procacci C, Biastiutti C, Carbognin G et al (1999) Characterization of cystic tumours of the pancreas: CT accuracy. J Comput Assist Tomogr 23:906–912PubMedCrossRef Procacci C, Biastiutti C, Carbognin G et al (1999) Characterization of cystic tumours of the pancreas: CT accuracy. J Comput Assist Tomogr 23:906–912PubMedCrossRef
16.
go back to reference Procacci C, Graziani R, Bicego E et al (1997) Serous cystadenoma of pancreas: report of 30 cases with emphasis on imaging findings. J Comput Assist Tomogr 21:373–382PubMedCrossRef Procacci C, Graziani R, Bicego E et al (1997) Serous cystadenoma of pancreas: report of 30 cases with emphasis on imaging findings. J Comput Assist Tomogr 21:373–382PubMedCrossRef
17.
go back to reference Box JC, Douglas HO (2000) Management of cystic neoplasms of the pancreas. Am Surg 66:495–501PubMed Box JC, Douglas HO (2000) Management of cystic neoplasms of the pancreas. Am Surg 66:495–501PubMed
18.
go back to reference Fernandez-del Castillo DF, Warshaw AL (2000) Current management of cystic neoplasms of pancreas. Adv Surg 34:237–248PubMed Fernandez-del Castillo DF, Warshaw AL (2000) Current management of cystic neoplasms of pancreas. Adv Surg 34:237–248PubMed
19.
go back to reference George DH, Murphy F, Michalski R et al (1989) Serous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas: a new entity? Am J Surg Pathol 13:61–66PubMedCrossRef George DH, Murphy F, Michalski R et al (1989) Serous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas: a new entity? Am J Surg Pathol 13:61–66PubMedCrossRef
20.
go back to reference Tseng JF, Warshaw AL, Sahani DV et al (2005) Serous cystadenoma of the pancreas: tumour growth rate and recommendations for treatment. Ann Surg 242:413–419PubMed Tseng JF, Warshaw AL, Sahani DV et al (2005) Serous cystadenoma of the pancreas: tumour growth rate and recommendations for treatment. Ann Surg 242:413–419PubMed
21.
go back to reference Ohashi KM, Maruyama Y (1982) Four cases of mucin producing cancer of the pancreas on specific findings of the ampulla of Vater [in Japanese]. Prog Dig Endosc 20:348–351 Ohashi KM, Maruyama Y (1982) Four cases of mucin producing cancer of the pancreas on specific findings of the ampulla of Vater [in Japanese]. Prog Dig Endosc 20:348–351
22.
go back to reference Tanaka M, Chari S, Adsay V et al (2006) International consensus guidelines for management of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms and mucinous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas. Pancreatology 6:17–32PubMedCrossRef Tanaka M, Chari S, Adsay V et al (2006) International consensus guidelines for management of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms and mucinous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas. Pancreatology 6:17–32PubMedCrossRef
23.
go back to reference Salvia R, Fernandez-del Castillo C, Bassi C et al (2004) Main duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas: clinical predictors of malignancy and long-term survival following resection. Ann Surg 239:678–687PubMedCrossRef Salvia R, Fernandez-del Castillo C, Bassi C et al (2004) Main duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas: clinical predictors of malignancy and long-term survival following resection. Ann Surg 239:678–687PubMedCrossRef
24.
go back to reference Matsumoto T, Aramaki M, Yada K et al (2003) Optimal management of the branch duct type of the intraductal papillary neoplasms of the pancreas. J Clin Gastroenterol 36:261–265PubMedCrossRef Matsumoto T, Aramaki M, Yada K et al (2003) Optimal management of the branch duct type of the intraductal papillary neoplasms of the pancreas. J Clin Gastroenterol 36:261–265PubMedCrossRef
25.
go back to reference Sugiyama M, Izumisato Y, Abe N et al (2003) Predictive factors for malignancy in intraductal papillary mucinous tumours of the pancreas. Br J Surg 90:1244–1249PubMedCrossRef Sugiyama M, Izumisato Y, Abe N et al (2003) Predictive factors for malignancy in intraductal papillary mucinous tumours of the pancreas. Br J Surg 90:1244–1249PubMedCrossRef
26.
go back to reference Goh BK, Tan YM, Chung YF et al (2006) A review of mucinous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas defined by ovarian type stroma: clinicopathological featues of 344 patients. World J Surg 30:2236–2245PubMedCrossRef Goh BK, Tan YM, Chung YF et al (2006) A review of mucinous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas defined by ovarian type stroma: clinicopathological featues of 344 patients. World J Surg 30:2236–2245PubMedCrossRef
27.
go back to reference Balci NC, Semelka RC (2001) Radiological features of cystic, endocrine and other pancreatic neoplasms. Eur J Radiol 38:113–119PubMedCrossRef Balci NC, Semelka RC (2001) Radiological features of cystic, endocrine and other pancreatic neoplasms. Eur J Radiol 38:113–119PubMedCrossRef
28.
go back to reference Beutow PC, Rao P, Thompson LD (1998) From the archives of the AFIP. Mucinous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas: radiological pathological correlation. Radiographics 18:433–449 Beutow PC, Rao P, Thompson LD (1998) From the archives of the AFIP. Mucinous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas: radiological pathological correlation. Radiographics 18:433–449
29.
go back to reference Kosmahl M, Pauser U, Peters K et al (2004) Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas and tumour like lesions with cystic features: a review of 418 cases and a classification proposal. Virchows Arch 445:168–178PubMedCrossRef Kosmahl M, Pauser U, Peters K et al (2004) Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas and tumour like lesions with cystic features: a review of 418 cases and a classification proposal. Virchows Arch 445:168–178PubMedCrossRef
30.
go back to reference Goh BK, Tan YM, Chung YF et al (2006) Nonneoplastic cystic and cystic like lesions of the pancreas: may mimic pancreatic cystic neoplasms. ANZ J Surg 76:325–331PubMedCrossRef Goh BK, Tan YM, Chung YF et al (2006) Nonneoplastic cystic and cystic like lesions of the pancreas: may mimic pancreatic cystic neoplasms. ANZ J Surg 76:325–331PubMedCrossRef
31.
go back to reference Goh BK, Tan YM, Thng CH et al (2008) How useful are clinical, biochemical and cross-sectional imaging features in predicting potentially malignant or malignant cystic lesions of the pancreas? Results from a single institution experience with 220 surgically treated patients. J Am Coll Surg 206:17–27PubMedCrossRef Goh BK, Tan YM, Thng CH et al (2008) How useful are clinical, biochemical and cross-sectional imaging features in predicting potentially malignant or malignant cystic lesions of the pancreas? Results from a single institution experience with 220 surgically treated patients. J Am Coll Surg 206:17–27PubMedCrossRef
32.
go back to reference Friedrich CA (1999) Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome: a pleomorphic condition. Cancer 86(11 Suppl):2478–2482PubMedCrossRef Friedrich CA (1999) Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome: a pleomorphic condition. Cancer 86(11 Suppl):2478–2482PubMedCrossRef
33.
go back to reference Sperti C, Pasquali C, Guolo P et al (1996) Serum tumor markers and cyst fluid analysis are useful for the diagnosis of pancreatic cystic tumors. Cancer 78:237–243PubMedCrossRef Sperti C, Pasquali C, Guolo P et al (1996) Serum tumor markers and cyst fluid analysis are useful for the diagnosis of pancreatic cystic tumors. Cancer 78:237–243PubMedCrossRef
34.
go back to reference Bassi C, Salvia R, Gumbs AA et al (2002) The value in standard serum tumour markers in differentiating mucinous from serous cystic tumours of pancreas: CEA, CA19–9, CA125, CA15–3. Langenbech Arch Surg 387:281–285CrossRef Bassi C, Salvia R, Gumbs AA et al (2002) The value in standard serum tumour markers in differentiating mucinous from serous cystic tumours of pancreas: CEA, CA19–9, CA125, CA15–3. Langenbech Arch Surg 387:281–285CrossRef
35.
go back to reference Fernandez-del Castillo C, Alsfasser G, Targarona J et al (2006) Serum CA19–9 in the management of cystic lesions of the pancreas. Pancreas 32:220PubMed Fernandez-del Castillo C, Alsfasser G, Targarona J et al (2006) Serum CA19–9 in the management of cystic lesions of the pancreas. Pancreas 32:220PubMed
36.
go back to reference Ramage JK, Davies AHG, Ardill J et al (2005) Guidelines for the management of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours. Gut 54:1–16CrossRef Ramage JK, Davies AHG, Ardill J et al (2005) Guidelines for the management of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours. Gut 54:1–16CrossRef
37.
go back to reference Handrich SJ, Hough DM, Fletcher JG et al (2005) The natural history of the incidentally discovered small simple pancreatic cyst: long-term follow-up and clinical implications. AJR Am J Roentgenol 184:20–23PubMed Handrich SJ, Hough DM, Fletcher JG et al (2005) The natural history of the incidentally discovered small simple pancreatic cyst: long-term follow-up and clinical implications. AJR Am J Roentgenol 184:20–23PubMed
38.
go back to reference Brugge WR, Lewandrowski K, Lee-Lewandrowski et al (2004) Diagnosis of pancreatic cystic neoplasms: a report of the cooperative pancreatic cyst study. Gastroenterology 126:1330–1336PubMedCrossRef Brugge WR, Lewandrowski K, Lee-Lewandrowski et al (2004) Diagnosis of pancreatic cystic neoplasms: a report of the cooperative pancreatic cyst study. Gastroenterology 126:1330–1336PubMedCrossRef
39.
go back to reference van der Waaij LA, van Dulleman HM, Porte RJ (2005) Cyst fluid analysis in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic cystic lesions: a pooled analysis. Gastrointest Endosc 62:380–391 van der Waaij LA, van Dulleman HM, Porte RJ (2005) Cyst fluid analysis in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic cystic lesions: a pooled analysis. Gastrointest Endosc 62:380–391
40.
go back to reference Linder JD, Greenen JF, Catalano MF (2006) Cyst fluid analysis obtained by EUS guided FNA in the evaluation of discrete cystic neoplasms of the pancreas: a prospective single-centre experience. Gastrointest Endosc 64:692–702CrossRef Linder JD, Greenen JF, Catalano MF (2006) Cyst fluid analysis obtained by EUS guided FNA in the evaluation of discrete cystic neoplasms of the pancreas: a prospective single-centre experience. Gastrointest Endosc 64:692–702CrossRef
41.
go back to reference Sperti C, Pasquali C, Chierichetti F et al (2001) Value of 18-flurodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in the management of patients with cystic tumours of the pancreas. Ann Surg 234:675–680PubMedCrossRef Sperti C, Pasquali C, Chierichetti F et al (2001) Value of 18-flurodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in the management of patients with cystic tumours of the pancreas. Ann Surg 234:675–680PubMedCrossRef
42.
go back to reference Sperti C, Pasquali C, Decet G et al (2005) 18-Flurodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in differentiating malignant from benign pancreatic cyst: a prospective study. J Gastrointest Surg 9:22–29PubMedCrossRef Sperti C, Pasquali C, Decet G et al (2005) 18-Flurodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in differentiating malignant from benign pancreatic cyst: a prospective study. J Gastrointest Surg 9:22–29PubMedCrossRef
43.
go back to reference Goh BKP, Tan YM, Chung YA et al (2007) Pancreatic cysts: a proposed management algorithm based on current evidence. Am J Surg 193:749–755PubMedCrossRef Goh BKP, Tan YM, Chung YA et al (2007) Pancreatic cysts: a proposed management algorithm based on current evidence. Am J Surg 193:749–755PubMedCrossRef
44.
go back to reference Lee CJ, Scheiman J, Anderson MA et al (2008) Risk of malignancy in resected cystic tumors of the pancreas ≤3 cm in size: is it safe to observe asymptomatic patients? A multi-institutional report. J Gastrointest Surg 12:234–242PubMedCrossRef Lee CJ, Scheiman J, Anderson MA et al (2008) Risk of malignancy in resected cystic tumors of the pancreas ≤3 cm in size: is it safe to observe asymptomatic patients? A multi-institutional report. J Gastrointest Surg 12:234–242PubMedCrossRef
45.
go back to reference Lahav M, Maor Y, Avidan B et al (2007) Nonsurgical management of asymptomatic incidental pancreatic cysts. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 5:813–817PubMedCrossRef Lahav M, Maor Y, Avidan B et al (2007) Nonsurgical management of asymptomatic incidental pancreatic cysts. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 5:813–817PubMedCrossRef
46.
go back to reference Pelaez-Luna M, Chari ST, Smyrk TC et al (2007) Do consensus indications for resection in branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms predict malignancy? A study of 147 patients. Am J Gastroenterol 102:1759–1764PubMedCrossRef Pelaez-Luna M, Chari ST, Smyrk TC et al (2007) Do consensus indications for resection in branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms predict malignancy? A study of 147 patients. Am J Gastroenterol 102:1759–1764PubMedCrossRef
47.
go back to reference Aljarabah M, Ammori BJ (2007) Laparoscopic and endoscopic approaches for drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts: a systematic review of published series. Surg Endosc 21:1936–1944PubMedCrossRef Aljarabah M, Ammori BJ (2007) Laparoscopic and endoscopic approaches for drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts: a systematic review of published series. Surg Endosc 21:1936–1944PubMedCrossRef
48.
go back to reference Nealon WH, Walser E (2003) Duct drainage alone is sufficient in the operative management of pancreatic pseudocyst in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Ann Surg 237:614–620PubMedCrossRef Nealon WH, Walser E (2003) Duct drainage alone is sufficient in the operative management of pancreatic pseudocyst in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Ann Surg 237:614–620PubMedCrossRef
49.
go back to reference Fujino Y, Suzuki Y, Yoshikawa T et al (2006) Outcomes of surgery for IPMN of the pancreas. World J Surg 30:1909–1914PubMedCrossRef Fujino Y, Suzuki Y, Yoshikawa T et al (2006) Outcomes of surgery for IPMN of the pancreas. World J Surg 30:1909–1914PubMedCrossRef
50.
go back to reference Crippa S, Bassi C, Warshaw AL et al (2007) Middle pancreatectomy: indications, short- and long-term operative outcomes. Ann Surg 246:69–76PubMedCrossRef Crippa S, Bassi C, Warshaw AL et al (2007) Middle pancreatectomy: indications, short- and long-term operative outcomes. Ann Surg 246:69–76PubMedCrossRef
Metadata
Title
Incidental Pancreatic Cystic Lesions
Authors
Senarath Edirimanne
Saxon J. Connor
Publication date
01-09-2008
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
World Journal of Surgery / Issue 9/2008
Print ISSN: 0364-2313
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2323
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-008-9633-6

Other articles of this Issue 9/2008

World Journal of Surgery 9/2008 Go to the issue