Cystic Tumors of the Pancreas

This book provides a detailed, up-to-date overview of cystic tumors of the pancreas, with coverage of all aspects of diagnosis and treatment (medical, endoscopic, and surgical). After opening chapters on pathology and classification, cytology, molecular biology, and epidemiology, the role of each of the relevant diagnostic methods is carefully examined. The treatment-related chapters describe surgical approaches, including minimally invasive surgery, as well as ablation modalities and chemo-radiotherapy. Thorough guidance is also provided specifically on the management of cystic tumors in high-risk cases and on follow-up. The authors are global opinion leaders in their field who have contributed cutting-edge chapters, with emphasis on clear diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms and with numerous supporting tables and illustrations. Owing to the widespread use of imaging modalities, clinicians are being confronted by an increasing number of patients with cystic tumors of the pancreas, ranging from benign cysts to metastasized malignancies. The widening spectrum of available diagnostic measures has resulted in controversy over the choice of further means of investigation when cystic changes are encountered, and the growth in therapeutic options has similarly been accompanied by considerable debate over their use. Against this background, Cystic Tumors of the Pancreas will be a valuable source of relevant information for both clinicians and surgeons and will also be of interest to radiologists, pathologists, and basic scientists.