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Oncology2 papers

Cyst of pancreas

Last edited: 4/10/2026

Overview

Pancreatic cysts are common, often incidentally found, and vary in malignant potential 1. While some types can harbor cancer or progress to malignancy, this progression is rare 1. Surgical excision is the only current treatment but carries significant morbidity and mortality 1.

Diagnosis

  • Pancreatic cysts are classified into several types, some with malignant potential 1.
  • Diagnostic approaches and surveillance strategies are evolving due to limited high-quality prospective studies 1.
  • Management

  • Surgical excision is the only available treatment for pancreatic cysts 1.
  • Management and surveillance recommendations can be contradictory due to the small risk of malignancy versus the high risks of surgery 1.
  • Key Recommendations

  • A practical approach to pancreatic cyst management and surveillance is provided for general gastroenterologists 1.
  • Recommendations for cyst surveillance are offered 1.
  • The current viable treatment for pancreatic cysts is surgical excision 1.
  • References

    1 Elta GH, Enestvedt BK, Sauer BG, Lennon AM. ACG Clinical Guideline: Diagnosis and Management of Pancreatic Cysts. The American journal of gastroenterology 2018. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      ACG Clinical Guideline: Diagnosis and Management of Pancreatic Cysts.Elta GH, Enestvedt BK, Sauer BG, Lennon AM The American journal of gastroenterology (2018)

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