Development of ductal carcinoma of the pancreas during follow-up of branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas

Background:Synchronous occurrence of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) and ductal carcinoma of the pancreas has been reported. Branch duct IPMNs with lower likelihood of malignancy are not submitted to resection but are followed-up, so ductal carcinoma may develop during the follow-up. The development of ductal carcinoma of the pancreas during follow-up of branch duct IPMNs was investigated.Methods:60 patients with branch duct IPMN who had an intraductal tumour of 70 years old developed ductal carcinoma significantly more frequently than those under 69. Four of five ductal carcinomas identified during follow-up were resectable. Cancer developed in IPMN in 2 of 60 (3%) branch duct IPMNs during follow-up.Conclusions:During follow-up of branch duct IPMNs, ductal carcinoma of the pancreas not infrequently developed distinct from IPMN. In the follow-up of IPMN, special attention should be paid to the development of ductal carcinoma of the pancreas.