What are IPMNs in pancreas?

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Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) of the pancreas are potentially malignant intraductal epithelial neoplasms that are grossly visible (typically >10 mm) and are composed of mucin-producing columnar cells.

What percent of branch IPMN become cancer?

IPMNs in the main duct have up to a 70 percent risk of adenocarcinoma and require surgery.

Does IPMN mean cancer?

An IPMN is a benign (non-cancerous), fluid-filled pancreatic cyst. Though IPMN cysts are benign, they can develop into malignant tumors. This type of pancreatic cancer can become invasive cancer that is difficult to treat.

Should IPMN be removed?

For BD-IPMN, most experts recommend resection if these are >3 cm in size and/or symptomatic or if suspicious ‘high-risk stigmata’ like nodules, thickened cystic wall, increased serum CA 19-9, lymphadenopathy, or cyst growth are present.

Should I be worried about IPMN?

IPMNs are important because some of them progress to invasive cancer if they are left untreated. Just as colon polyps can develop into colon cancer if left untreated, some IPMNs can progress into invasive pancreatic cancer.

How fast does IPMN grow?

BD-IPMN growth rate of 2 mm/year had a sensitivity of 78 %, specificity of 90 %, and accuracy of 88 % to identify malignancy. Total BD-IPMN growth was also associated with increased risk of malignancy (P = 0.003) with all malignant IPMNs growing at least 10 mm prior to cancer diagnosis.

Can IPMN cause pancreatitis?

Both MD-IPMN and SB-IPMN may be the cause of pancreatitis. The risk of AP seems to be similar with both main duct IPMN and SB-IPMN, although data are controversial. AP in IPMN patients is not severe and often recurs without treatment.

Can IPMN be removed?

If there is a concern about the IPMN evolving into cancer, the only treatment is surgery to remove part of the pancreas (or in rare cases, all of it). Removing the IPMN through surgery is considered curative. This is major surgery and may be done openly, which includes making an incision on the abdomen.

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