2022 Volume 37 Issue 4 Pages 137-141
Pancreatic cancers related to intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) include IPMN-derived carcinomas and concomitant carcinomas. Data from our institution shows that the cumulative incidence of pancreatic cancer was 3.3%, 6.6%, and 15.0% at 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively. The standardized incidence ratio of pancreatic cancer was 10.8. The size of IPMNs and the diameter of the main pancreatic duct in patients diagnosed with IPMN were risk factors for IPMN-derived carcinoma. However, neither of these was a risk factor for concomitant carcinoma. Therefore, for the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, periodic imaging is recommended for patients with IPMNs, regardless of the features of the IPMN. Some IPMNs develop into pancreatic carcinoma after 5-years of surveillance; continued surveillance beyond 5 years is recommended for patients with branch-duct IPMNs as long as they remain fit for major surgery.
