Natural course and outcome of cystic lesions in the pancreas

BackgroundThe number of patients identified with cysts of the pancreas is increasing. The current study was undertaken to assess the natural course and malignant potential of pancreatic cysts.MethodsFrom 1995 to 2008, radiology records were reviewed for the presence of cystic lesions of the pancreas (CLP) characteristics, patient demographics, and follow-up.ResultsEighty-two patients met the study inclusion criteria, with a mean age at time of diagnosis of 64.4 ± 16.7 years. Mean cyst size was 1.36 ± 1.05 cm, with 75.6% of patients having a solitary cyst. Thirteen patients underwent surgery. Operative intervention was statistically related to symptomatic, loculated cysts with the presence of calcifications (all P <.05). Malignancy was statistically related to symptomatic (P <.05), loculated cysts (P <.01), and male gender (P <.05).ConclusionsOur data show that most pancreatic cysts found on radiographic imaging are asymptomatic, solitary, and small and can be followed safely radiographically.