| [ Summary ] |
Intraductal papillary-mucinous tumors (IPMT) were initially reported in Japan in 1982 as being a form of pancreatic cancer with specific clinical features, having good prognoses. Then, adenoma and hyperplasia, as well as cancer, were also reported. In 2002, the General Rules for the Study of Pancreatic Cancer in Japan definitively noted that these lesions are pancreatic epithelial tumors, characterized by ductectasia due to mucous retention. In 2000, the WHO classification also listed IPMN (“neoplasm”). Although this is different from the Japanese name, the disease classified by these two terms is almost same. PanIN, which is a classification of atypism, should be distinguished from IPMT as a separate disorder. Currently, there are still numerous features of the natural history and malignant virulence of these conditions that remain unclear in clinical practice. Since the international guidelines have also been proposed, it is expected that these issues will be clarified by the compilation of information concerning cases from all parts of the world. |