Pancreatic cysts: more answers, more questions.

Abstract

Management of incidental pancreatic cysts has been a conundrum for the clinician owing to uncertain implications for the presence of cancer or progression to pancreatic malignancy. Asymptomatic pancreatic cysts are being detected in increasing numbers, especially in elderly patients getting radiologic imaging studies for evaluation of other non-pancreatic symptoms and signs. As a result, various radiologic, endoscopic, and pathologic criteria have been developed to help stratify the risk of malignancy in these patients and optimize strategies for patient care including surveillance or resection. In this issue, Wu and co-workers (Am J Gastroenterol, this issue) present their study assessing the prediction of malignancy in cystic neoplasms of the pancreas.