Clinical Gastroenterology Vol.17 No.3(1)

Theme Management of Cystic Diseases of the Pancreas
Title Clinical Studies of Cystic Lesions of the Pancreas Detected by Screening Examinations
Publish Date 2002/03
Author Tadashi Sato First Department of Medicine, Yamanashi Medical University
Author Fumiaki Kitahara First Department of Medicine, Yamanashi Medical University
Author Mitsuharu Fukasawa First Department of Medicine, Yamanashi Medical University
Author Masayuki Fujino First Department of Medicine, Yamanashi Medical University
Author Hideki Fujii First Department of Surgery, Yamanashi Medical University
Author Kazuhisa Kobayashi Yamanashi Koseiren, Health Care Center
Author Atsuro Morozumi Uenohara Municipal Hospital
Author Masahiro Ikeda Department of Gastroenterology, National Osaka Hospital
[ Summary ] We describe a review of cystic lesions of the pancreas detected by screening examinations and our experiences. The prevalence of pancreatic cysts in mass survies is approximately 0.1-0.3%. The prevalence of lesions is 2 times more frequent in women than in men. The prevalence among age groups is significantly higher for those in their 60s than for those in their 50s or men in the younger age groups, or than women in younger age groups. Most of the cystic lesions detected by screening examination are less than 20mm in size. Further examinations failed to disclose the etiology of cystic lesions in about 80% of the cases. All of the neoplastic cysts show findings for mural nodules and/or septal structures and/or MPD dilatation. Most of the small pancreatic cysts without a septum, a mural nodule or MPD dilatation are non-progressive. It will not be necessary to follow-up on the patient so frequently. Further studies are necessary to establish strategies for the management of cysticlesions of the pancreas from both the aspects of comparative study of image findings with pathological findings and long-term follow-up studies.
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