The diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic precursors / 中华消化杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the appropriate method in diagnosing precursor lesions of pancreatic cancer and its treatment. Methods From Jan. 2006 to Dec. 2007, 92 cases were operated for pancreatic neoplasms. Among them 7 cases had pancreatic precursors. The mucinous cystic neoplasm was found in 1 case, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm(IPMN) in 2 cases, endocrine tumor in 1 case and pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) in 3 cases. CA19-9 level was tested by immunoflucence assay. All of the 7 patients were examined by CT. Endoscopic ultrasound(EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography examinations were performed on 1 and 2 patients respectively. Results There was neither specific symptom related to these precursors nor any evidence of mass as revealed by CT or ultrasound. But dilatation and stricture of pancreatic duct were found in PanIN patients, and cystic dilatation of pancreatic duct in pancreatic head was present more in IPMN patients. For cystic neoplasms in pancreatic body and tail, they were commonly solid and isolated. CA19-9 level was slightly elevated in some patients but with no diagnostic value. Surgical resection was done with excellent result. Conclusion For the suspected pancreatic precursors, aggressive diagnostic approach and surgical resection will be the best option and can further prevent cancer development.