Incidental Pancreatic Cysts

Abstract

ULTRASOUND AND computed tomography (CT) may reveal incidental findings within the abdomen when performed for other conditions or situations. Cysts of the liver and kidney are examples of such findings^1,2 but are frequently dismissed because they are so common and almost universally benign. Cystic lesions of the pancreas are more unusual, and when present, are generally associated with symptoms. However, as imaging has become more widespread and used to screen individuals with trivial or no symptoms, predictably, a larger number of incidental pancreatic cysts is being found.