Molecular Diagnostics in the Evaluation of Pancreatic Cysts

Abstract

Within the past few decades, there has been a dramatic increase in the detection of incidental pancreatic cysts. It is reported a pancreatic cyst is identified in up to 2.6% of abdominal scans. Many of these cysts, including serous cystadenomas and pseudocysts, are benign and can be monitored clinically. In contrast, mucinous cysts, which include intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms and mucinous cystic neoplasms, have the potential to progress to pancreatic adenocarcinoma. In this review, we discuss the current management guidelines for pancreatic cysts, their underlying genetics, and the integration of molecular testing in cyst classification and prognostication.

Keywords: Diagnostics; Genetics; Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm; Mucinous cystic neoplasm; Pancreas; Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma; Serous cystadenoma; Solid-pseudopapillary neoplasm.