This book provides a thorough overview of the detection of PCNs using modern imaging techniques
and a clear guide to the recognition of the different subtypes of PCN based on their radiologic
and histopathologic features. This volume will serve as an excellent aid to the selection of
optimal therapeutic strategies based on preoperative diagnosis. A further important feature is
the emphasis placed on radiologic clinical and surgical correlations. Pancreatic cystic
neoplasms (PCNs) have been increasingly recognized during the past decade mainly because of
the widespread use of modern imaging modalities for the investigation of often unrelated
abdominal symptoms. The three most common subtypes of PCN are serous cystic neoplasms mucinous
cystic neoplasms and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms. These subtypes have distinct
radiologic and histopathological features and their biological behavior differs greatly.
Accurate preoperative diagnosis is of prime importance in selecting the optimal therapeutic
strategy: while serous cystic neoplasms are almost always benign and may be treated
conservatively mucinous cystic neoplasms and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms have
malignant potential warranting an aggressive surgical approach i.e. pancreatectomy.
Pancreatic Cystic Neoplasms will be of great interest to surgeons gastroenterologists
radiologists oncologists and pathologists and also to internists and residents in these
specialties.
