Pancreatic Cysts Surveillance Program

The Pancreatic Cyst Surveillance Program is designed to protect patients with pancreatic cysts, by detecting and evaluating at-risk pancreatic cysts before they progress to pancreatic cancer.

What are Pancreatic Cysts?

Pancreatic cysts are abnormal, fluid-filled growths in the pancreas. Pancreatic cysts are being increasingly detected on imaging, with up to 30% of patients potentially having a pancreatic cyst. There are multiple different types of cysts, some of which are benign and others of which have a high risk of progressing to pancreatic cancer. For patients with a pancreatic cyst, it is important to undergo a work-up to determine which cysts need to be evaluated, monitored, and, potentially, removed.

Common Types of Pancreatic Cysts

• Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm (IPMN) – mucin-containing cysts that may connect to the pancreatic duct system and can grow into pancreatic cancer
• Serous Cystadenoma – generally benign and slow‑growing cysts
• Mucinous Cystic Neoplasm (MCN) – more common in women; these cysts may carry malignant potential
• Pseudocyst – often develops after pancreatitis

How We Care for Patients with Pancreatic Cysts

Our Pancreatic Cyst Surveillance Program is dedicated to bringing patients the most accurate diagnostic and prognostic information possible.

Patients in our Pancreatic Cyst Surveillance Program undergo a comprehensive medical, imaging, and endoscopic assessment to determine the risk of malignant transformation (i.e., progression to pancreatic cancer) and most effective monitoring or resection plan.

Patients evaluated in our program are discussed in our weekly multidisciplinary conference, where a thorough plan of care or surveillance is determined by our experts in advanced endoscopy, surgery, and oncology. Combining state-of-the-art imaging, lab testing, endoscopic evaluation, and genetic assessment allows our team of experts to determine the optimal treatment plan for each patient.

What to Expect

 Before Your Appointment:

• Our team reviews your clinical history, imaging, and family or genetic background
• For MRI/MRCP: remove all metal objects; you may be asked to complete a safety screening form
• For EUS: do not eat or drink after midnight; sedation is provided, and you will need an escort home.

During and After Testing:

• MRI/MRCP typically takes 30–60 minutes. You remain awake and can breathe normally
• EUS is performed under sedation; recovery time is usually one hour, and most patients go home the same day
• Results are reviewed with you and your referring clinician, and follow‑up plans are individualized