Recent advances in detecting premalignant pancreatic cysts

Abstract

The incidental discovery of pancreatic cysts in asymptomatic patients is on the rise due to the widespread use of cross-sectional imaging. The challenge in the management of pancreatic cysts is in distinguishing those with malignant potentials, like mucinous pancreatic cysts, from non-mucinous cysts that have negligible malignant potentials. Similarly, it can be difficult to identify mucinous cysts that harbour high-grade dysplasia or early cancer. This review focuses on the recent advances in detecting pancreatic cancer and cysts with premalignant potential.