Pancreatic cystic lesions: How endoscopic ultrasound morphology and endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspiration help unlock the diagnostic puzzle

World J Gastrointest Endosc. 2012 Jun 16;4(6):247-59. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v4.i6.247.

Abstract

Cystic lesions of the pancreas are being diagnosed with increasing frequency, covering a vast spectrum from benign to malignant and invasive lesions. Numerous investigations can be done to discriminate between benign and non-evolutive lesions from those that require surgery. At the moment, there is no single test that will allow a correct diagnosis in all cases. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) morphology, cyst fluid analysis and cytohistology with EUS-guided fine needle aspiration can aid in this difficult diagnosis.

Keywords: Endoscopic ultrasound; Endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspiration; Pancreatic cystic lesions.