Diagnosis and Management of Pancreatic Cysts
Publication Date: April 1, 2018
Last Updated: March 14, 2022
Recommendations
Pancreatic cyst diagnosis
1. We recommend caution when attributing symptoms to a pancreatic cyst. The majority of pancreatic cysts are asymptomatic and the nonspecific nature of symptoms requires clinical discernment. (Conditional (weak) “We suggest”, Very low)
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2. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) are the tests of choice because of their non-invasiveness, lack of radiation, and greater accuracy in assessing communication between the main pancreatic duct and the cyst (which is a characteristic of side-branch IPMNs). Pancreatic protocol computed tomography (CT) or endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) are excellent alternatives in patients who are unable to undergo MRI. Indeterminate cysts may benefit from a second imaging modality or cyst fluid analysis via EUS. (Conditional (weak) “We suggest”, Very low)
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3. Use caution when using imaging to diagnose cyst type or concomitant malignancy. The accuracy of MRI or MRCP in diagnosing cyst type is 40–50% and in determining benign vs. malignant is 55–76%. The accuracy for CT and EUS without FNA is similar. (Conditional (weak) “We suggest”, Very low)
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Pancreatic cyst management
4. Patients who are not medically fit for surgery should not undergo further evaluation of incidentally found pancreatic cysts, irrespective of cyst size. (Strong “We recommend”, Low)
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5. Patients with asymptomatic cysts that are diagnosed as pseudocysts on initial imaging and clinical history, or that have a very low risk of malignant transformation (such as serous cystadenomas) do not require treatment or further evaluation. (Conditional (weak) “We suggest”, Low)
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6. EUS-FNA [fine needle aspiration] and cyst fluid analysis should be considered in cysts in which the diagnosis is unclear, and where the results are likely to alter management. Analysis of cyst fluid CEA may be considered to differentiate intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) and mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCNs) from other cyst types, but cannot be used to identify IPMNs and MCNs with high-grade dysplasia or pancreatic cancer. (Conditional (weak) “We suggest”, Very low)
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7. Cyst fluid cytology should be sent to assess for the presence of high-grade dysplasia or pancreatic cancer when the imaging features alone are insufficient to warrant surgery. (Conditional (weak) “We suggest”, Very low)
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8. Molecular markers may help identify IPMNs and MCNs. Their use may be considered in cases in which the diagnosis is unclear and the results are likely to change management. (Conditional (weak) “We suggest”, Very low)
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Pancreatic cyst surveillance
9. Cyst surveillance should be offered to surgically fit candidates with asymptomatic cysts that are presumed to be IPMNs or MCNs. (Conditional (weak) “We suggest”, Very low)
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10. Patients with IPMNs or MCNs with new-onset or worsening diabetes mellitus, or a rapid increase in cyst size (of >3 mm/year) during surveillance, may have an increased risk of malignancy, so should undergo a short-interval MRI or EUS±FNA. (Conditional (weak) “We suggest”, Very low)
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11. Patients with IPMNs or MCNs with any of the following features should undergo EUS FNA and/or be referred to a multidisciplinary group for further evaluation. (Strong “We recommend”, Very low)
(a) Any of the following symptoms or signs: jaundice secondary to the cyst, acute pancreatitis secondary to the cyst, significantly elevated serum CA 19-9
(b) Any of the following imaging findings: the presence of a mural nodule or solid component either within the cyst or in the pancreatic parenchyma, dilation of the main pancreatic of >5 mm, a focal dilation of the pancreatic duct concerning for main duct IPMN or an obstructing lesion, mucinproducing cysts measuring ≥3 cm in diameter
(c) The presence of high-grade dysplasia or pancreatic cancer on cytology.
(b) Any of the following imaging findings: the presence of a mural nodule or solid component either within the cyst or in the pancreatic parenchyma, dilation of the main pancreatic of >5 mm, a focal dilation of the pancreatic duct concerning for main duct IPMN or an obstructing lesion, mucinproducing cysts measuring ≥3 cm in diameter
(c) The presence of high-grade dysplasia or pancreatic cancer on cytology.
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12. Patients with a solid-pseudopapillary neoplasm should be referred to a multidisciplinary group for consideration of surgical resection. (Strong “We recommend”, Low)
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13. MRCP is the preferred modality for pancreatic cyst surveillance, given the lack of radiation and improved delineation of the main pancreatic duct. EUS may also be the primary surveillance tool in patients who cannot or choose not to have MRI scans. (Conditional (weak) “We suggest”, Very low)
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14. In the absence of concerning features, which warrant increased surveillance or referral for further evaluation, cyst size guides surveillance intervals for presumed IPMNs and MCNs. (Conditional (weak) “We suggest”, Very low)
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15. Surveillance should be discontinued if a patient is no longer a surgical candidate. (Strong “We recommend”, Very low)
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16. It is reasonable to assess the utility of ongoing surveillance in those >75 years old. An individualized approach for those 76–85 years should be considered including an informed discussion about surgery. (Conditional (weak) “We suggest”, Very low)
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17. Patients with a surgically resected serous cystadenoma, pseudocyst, or other benign cysts do not require any follow-up after resection. (Strong “We recommend”, Very low)
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18. Resected MCNs without pancreatic cancer do not require postoperative surveillance. (Strong “We recommend”, Low)
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19. All surgically resected IPMN require postoperative surveillance. (Strong “We recommend”, Very low)
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20. Patients should be followed on a yearly basis for at least 5 years following resection of a solid-pseudopapillary neoplasm. (Conditional (weak) “We suggest”, Very low)
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Recommendation Grading
Overview
Title
Diagnosis and Management of Pancreatic Cysts
Authoring Organization
American College of Gastroenterology
Publication Month/Year
April 1, 2018
Last Updated Month/Year
January 22, 2024
Supplemental Implementation Tools
Document Type
Guideline
External Publication Status
Published
Country of Publication
US
Document Objectives
This guideline will provide a practical approach to pancreatic cyst management and recommendations for cyst surveillance for the general gastroenterologist
Target Patient Population
Patients with pancreatic cyst
Inclusion Criteria
Female, Male, Adolescent, Adult, Older adult
Health Care Settings
Ambulatory, Hospital, Outpatient
Intended Users
Nurse, nurse practitioner, physician, physician assistant
Scope
Assessment and screening, Diagnosis, Management
Diseases/Conditions (MeSH)
D010181 - Pancreatic Cyst, D010182 - Pancreatic Diseases, D010179 - Pancreas
Keywords
pancreatic cyst, cystic pancreatic neoplasms, cyst
Source Citation
Elta, Grace H MD, FACG; Enestvedt, Brintha K MD, MBA; Sauer, Bryan G MD, MSc, FACG (GRADE Methodologist); Lennon, Anne Marie MD, PhD, FACG. ACG Clinical Guideline: Diagnosis and Management of Pancreatic Cysts, American Journal of Gastroenterology: April 2018 - Volume 113 - Issue 4 - p 464-479 doi: 10.1038/ajg.2018.14