Impact of Pancreatic Cyst Fluid CEA Levels on the Classification of Pancreatic Cysts Using the Papanicolaou Society of Cytology Terminology System for Pancreaticobiliary Cytology

What is it about?

In the current study, a retrospective 5-year cohort study of pancreatic cysts, the incorporation of CEA fluid analysis and the new proposed classification for pancreatobiliary cytology improved the diagnosis of pancreatic cysts. The number of samples previously classified as negative and nondiagnostic decreased considerably, with a statistically significant difference among negative cases. The changes also had a considerable impact over sensitivity and NPV of the diagnoses of pancreatic cyst aspirates. This is of great importance in acellular or paucicellular specimens, in which a definite diagnosis may not always be achieved by morphologic analysis alone. It also increases the diagnostic accuracy for FNA of pancreatic cysts, yielding a rapid and proper diagnosis of mucinous lesions, some of which can potentially become malignant lesions if not identified promptly.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

The current study endorses the use of the new Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology terminology for pancreaticobiliary cytology for cystic lesions and reaffirms that CEA fluid analysis should be a vital part of the diagnostic work-up of pancreatic cysts. It can also help identify potentially malignant mucinous lesions, with an immediate beneficial effect on patients’ therapy and outcome.

Perspectives