Cystic Neoplasm of the Pancreas

Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas (CNPs) are not considered as rare entities any more. Imaging-based population studies attested an overall prevalence of 2 %, but that becomes five times higher on individuals of more than 70 year old. This family of neoplasms includes a wide spectrum of benign, borderline, and malignant lesions whose actual biological behavior has not been completely clarified yet. Moreover, the management of CNPs still represents a challenge for gastrointestinal (GI) specialists. While many CNPs have an indolent behavior that justifies surveillance, others should be resected because of the risk of progression to invasive cancer. Due to the high morbidity related to pancreatic resections, the surgeon should balance very carefully the advantages of a radical resection with the risks of an unrequested dangerous procedure. We reviewed the current issues regarding CNPs, with a particular focus on the clinical and radiological features that are integrated in the current guidelines and that drive the management of these patients.