Pancreatic cysts occur in at least 20 percent of the older population. They are an important and identifiable precursor to pancreatic cancer, the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States. While pancreatic cysts are common and mostly benign, all cysts have a risk.
Risk Stratification
As an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fox Chase’s multidisciplinary teams are among the most experienced physicians at assessing cysts to determine risk. A scan alone can’t reveal whether a cyst is cancerous. This is when Fox Chase’s expertise in conducting biopsies becomes even more critical. Cysts deemed high risk are often removed. Decisions on surgery must weigh a patient’s age, overall health, and the type of cells found in the cyst during the biopsy.
Fox Chase is headquarters for an eight-year multicenter trial to study how often and how fast pancreatic cysts progress to cancer. “Most cysts won’t turn into cancer,” advises David S. Weinberg, MD, MSc, chair of the Department of Medicine at Fox Chase and principal investigator for the trial. “However, because of the risk, many patients may consider surgery. It’s a big operation and we want to make sure that only those patients at the greatest cancer risk get surgery,” Weinberg said.
Surgical Expertise
If your patient should require surgery, Fox Chase surgeons are national leaders in performing complex surgeries for patients with pancreatic cancer. “Our team involves multiple specialists who will step back, look at your case, and become immersed in everything about it,” explains Sanjay S. Reddy, MD, FACS, Department of Surgical Oncology and co-director of The Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute at Fox Chase. “As surgical techniques continue to evolve, the use of robotic surgery in the treatment algorithm can also be used in select patients”. Not all cysts should be treated the same, and the multidisciplinary team within this disease space proves to be a vital part of the program.
Active Surveillance
Fox Chase doesn’t care only for cancer patients. In cases where cysts are benign, our diagnostic team understands exactly how to monitor those growths to determine whether they are remaining benign or have become malignant. Every case is unique. Fox Chase specialists follow surveillance protocols. With low-risk cysts, follow-up imaging tests are generally conducted every 6 to 12 months to detect changes.
Your Partner in Patient Care
The next time a patient scan reveals an incidental cyst—pancreatic, thyroid, renal, or lung—partner with Fox Chase Cancer Center. We work together with referring physicians every step of the way and maintain open communications to ensure the proper path of care for your patient.
To refer your patients to a Fox Chase cancer specialist, call 215-214-2222 or fill out the form below.