Journal of Clinical Pathology 2008;61:1303-1313
MY APPROACH
Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas: clinical and pathological features and diagnostic approach
Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
Dr D S Klimstra, Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; klimstrd{at}mskcc.org
Pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) are mucin-producing neoplasms with a frequent papillary architecture that arise within the pancreatic ducts and are increasingly being recognised. Because they exhibit a spectrum of dysplasia ranging from low grade to high grade and may also have associated invasive carcinoma, and because they are clinically detectable, they are now intensively studied. There is marked overlap between IPMNs and pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN), such that the distinction between these two lesions is nearly impossible in certain cases. In addition, IPMNs sometimes can be confused with other primary cystic lesions of the pancreas. As a result, the correct diagnosis of IPMN can be challenging. This review addresses the clinical and pathological features of IPMNs, emphasising their diagnostic criteria, differential diagnosis and biological behaviour. Problematic issues in the pathological evaluation of IPMNs are discussed.
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