Pancreatic cysts or pancreatic cystic neoplasms? An analysis of 145 cases

Introduction: Detection of the frequency of pancreatic cystic lesions has increased in the recent years. The majority are pseudocysts, the remaining cysts are mainly neoplasms. Proven risk of malignancy affects intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) and mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCN). The aim of this study was to analyze clinical data of patients with pancreatic cysts or pancreatic cystic neoplasms on operate at Department of General and Transplant Surgery in the Barlicki Hospital in Lodz. Material and methods: In 2007-2016, there were 145 patients operated on at the Department of General and Transplant Surgery in Barlicki Hospital in Lodz, due to pancreatic cystic lesion. The type of operation, histopathological diagnosis and basic demographic data were analyzed. Results: Non-neoplastic cyst (mainly pseudocysts) was found in 66.9% of patients, neoplasms were detected in 33.1%. The mean age was significantly higher in patients with neoplasm than without neoplasm (57.06 years vs. 50.88 years, p=0.009). Neoplastic cyst occurred more frequently in women (68.75% of women, 31.25% of men, p=0.001). Malignant tumor was found in 14.58% of neoplasms cases and in 4.83% of all pancreatic cystic lesions. Conclusions: According to the analyzed material, there is a significant risk of malignancy in patients with pancreatic cyst. Neoplastic cysts are more common in women. Discussion: Pancreatic cystic tumors are treated mainly by resections of pancreas. In case of benign lesions with low risk of malignancy, there are less extensive operations performed, such as enucleations of lesions. There are no guidelines that could be used satisfactorily in follow up of patients with pancreatic cysts.