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When treating pancreatic cysts, we believe the best outcomes result from a multidisciplinary approach to care. At Fox Chase, your specialized team of surgeons, radiologists, and gastroenterologists collaborate on confirming your diagnosis and developing the best course of treatment.
Most pancreatic cysts are benign (noncancerous) and stem from conditions other than cancer. However, some cysts are considered precancerous, and a small percentage are malignant or can become cancerous. The specialists at Fox Chase will work closely with you to determine the appropriate treatment plan for your pancreatic cyst.
If your pancreatic cyst contains benign cells and presents no high-risk features on imaging tests, it probably won’t have to be removed. These types of noncancerous cysts include serous cystadenomas and pseudocysts. There is no medical treatment for these cysts, but your doctor will likely recommend imaging tests, endoscopies and/or biopsies every 6–12 months to look for any changes.
For mucin-producing cysts that are considered precancerous—including intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) and mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs)—surgical removal is often recommended to avoid future occurrence of cancer.
Your pancreatic team will determine whether an IPMN is arising from the main pancreatic duct or from a side branch of the duct. Typically, an MRI will be performed as well as an endoscopy or biopsy to sample the cyst and examine its fluid to see what kind of cells it contains.
It’s difficult to predict whether an IPMN will become cancerous, but pancreatic cysts from the main duct have a significantly higher rate of malignancy. In these cases, surgical removal of the affected portion of the pancreas is considered the best primary treatment option.
For branch duct IPMN, your team will weigh the risks and benefits of pancreatic surgery vs. regular imaging and surveillance. Key factors include:
MCNs have the potential to become cancerous because of nodules or growths on the cyst walls. This type of cyst can occur anywhere in the gland, and surgical removal is a viable option and typically used as the first line of treatment.
While the use of minimally invasive surgical techniques (including robotics) has changed the landscape of surgical treatment for pancreatic cysts, pancreatic surgery is still a serious procedure that carries significant risks. Your doctors will work closely with you to help guide your decision.
“The majority of pancreatic cyst patients that I see don’t need specific medical treatment beyond close monitoring. I strive to explain things clearly to my patients, and that can be all they need to have some peace of mind.”
– Sanjay S. Reddy, MD, FACS, Surgical Oncologist and Co-Leader of The Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute at Fox Chase