European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCN) are a heterogeneous group of pancreatic cysts that include
intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, mucinous cystic neoplasms, serous cystic neoplasms
and other rare cystic lesions, all with different biological behaviors and variable risk of
progression to malignancy. As more pancreatic cysts are incidentally discovered on routine
cross-sectional imaging, optimal surveillance for patients with PCN is becoming an
increasingly common clinical problem, highlighting the need to balance cancer prevention with
the risk of (surgical) overtreatment. This Review summarizes the latest developments in the
diagnosis and management of PCN, including the quality of available evidence. Also discussed
are the most important differences between the PCN guidelines from the American
Gastroenterological Association, the International Association of Pancreatology and the
European Study Group on Cystic Tumors of the Pancreas, including diagnostic and follow-up
strategies and indications for surgery. Finally, new developments in the management of patients
with PCN are addressed.