Pancreatic Incidentaloma: Incidental Findings from History Towards the Era of Liquid Biopsy

Overview

Journal eGastroenterology

Specialty Gastroenterology

Date 2025 Feb 13

PMID 39944362

Authors

J-Matthias Lohr

Miroslav Vujasinovic

Nikolaos Kartalis

Philipp Osten

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

This report provides an overview of the most common diagnostic methods that bring to light incidental findings of pancreatic cancer. It reviews the impact of medical imaging and genetic assessment on the definitions of incidental findings and incidentaloma of the pancreas. For different diagnostic approaches (eg, MRI and CT) and for different affections (cysts/intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia, solid lesions), specific guidelines have been proposed and some are established. Based on this, we summarise the differences between the traditional methods with those applied in the PANCAID project. Biomarkers, genetic predispositions, mutations and circulating tumour cells give rise to different levels of concern. The final part of the report discusses the risks and the opportunities associated with further diagnostic procedures and surgical interventions. From the ethical perspective, the most urging question is, can a screening based on liquid biopsy and blood samples open a gateway for the prevention of pancreatic cancer-even if morbidity and lethality of today's surgical interventions is still very high?

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