Pancreatic Cystic Neoplasm
Pancreatic Cystic Neoplasms are a group of pancreatic cysts that include intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN), mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCN), serous cystic neoplasms (SCN) and other rare cystic growths. IPMNs and MCNs have the potential to become malignant, whereas SCNs are benign.
Most of the time, the cause of pancreatic cysts is unknown; uncommonly, it could be related to underlying medical conditions such as polycystic kidney disease. It could also develop as a result of trauma or injury to the abdominal region.
Symptoms:
Pancreatic cystic neoplasms are usually asymptomatic; they are identified incidentally from scans performed for unrelated conditions. The correct cysts diagnosis may sometimes require CT/MRI scans and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) with biopsy.
Pancreatic cysts with internal nodules, MCNs and big IPMNs are cysts with the potential for malignant change. Your doctor will discuss with you the follow-up plan and suitable surgical treatment for those cysts.
Surgical treatment depends on the location of the cysts. e.g. Whipple’s Procedure and distal pancreatectomy for malignant pancreatic cysts located at the head of the pancreas and body/tail of the pancreas, respectively. Both can be done with the minimally invasive method with laparoscopy or robotic approach.
