Patient Care | Conditions

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About Cystic Neoplasms

These lesions cover a range of different pathologies. The significance of cystic neoplasms of the pancreas is that some are prone to malignant change and mandate removal. The main type is an IPMN (intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm). These may involve either the main pancreatic duct (main duct IPMN) or a branch of the pancreatic duct (branch-type IPMN). Main duct IPMNs have a 30% risk of malignancy and always require resection. BT-IPMNs are usually placed under surveillance.

Other cystic lesions include mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCNs) which are found almost exclusive in women and also display malignant potential (and hence resection is recommended). Benign cystic lesions include serous cystic neoplasm (characterised by a honey-comb appearance on radiology) or pseudocysts. Characterisation of cystic pancreatic lesions is made on a combination of clinical history and imaging. All such lesions require referral to the specialist MDT.