What is the aim of the study?

Pancreatic cysts are common and may pose a risk of becoming cancer. This risk is known to be very small, but exact figures are not available. In the absence of this knowledge, out of caution, international guidelines recommend an intensive, lifelong surveillance. The present study wants to investigate the benefit of this follow-up policy, as this has never been evaluated before. In addition, we hope to identify risk factors for the development of cancer. This will help us to choose the best surveillance strategy in the future; providing optimal protection, while causing the least burden for you, as a patient.

What will be investigated?

This study will assess the outcome of pancreatic cyst surveillance in a large group of patients for a period of 15 years. We will record how often pancreatic cysts will; change, cause symptoms, be operated upon, or become cancer. In addition, we will evaluate blood samples, to look for possible markers that can predict the development of cancer. Finally, we will evaluate the burden of undergoing cyst surveillance, by means of a patient questionnaire.