Can pancreatic cysts develop into pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cysts do not usually develop into pancreatic cancer, and cystic tumors such as mucinous cystic tumors, solid pseudopapillary tumors, cystic neuroendocrine tumors, and intraductal papillary mucinous tumors of the pancreas are at risk of malignant transformation. The detection rate of asymptomatic pancreatic cystic tumors is increasing yearly with the popularity of imaging. Studies have shown that patients with pancreatic cystic tumors have a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer compared to the general population, with a relative risk that may be as high as 22.5. Pancreatic cystic tumors mainly include mucinous cystic tumors, solid pseudopapillary tumors, cystic neuroendocrine tumors, and intraductal papillary mucinous tumors of the pancreas. Among them, mucinous pancreatic cystic tumors are considered to have a high risk of cancer and require early screening and surgical treatment, among others. While most of the true cysts of the pancreas are congenital cysts, most of the pseudocysts are caused by trauma, pancreatitis, etc., and the plasma cysts are usually caused by inflammation on the mucous wall, and these cysts are mostly benign lesions, which usually do not have the risk of cancer. Among the pancreatic cysts, only mucinous cysts have the risk of cancer, so when pancreatic cysts appear, it is recommended that patients go to the hospital in a timely manner to find out the type of cysts and then carry out the corresponding treatment under the guidance of the doctor.