title: Pathology of Pancreatic Cancer Precursor Lesions.
abstract: To better understand pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and improve its prognosis, it is essential to understand its origins. This article describes the pathology of the 3 well-established pancreatic cancer precursor lesions: pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, and mucinous cystic neoplasm. Each of these precursor lesions has unique clinical findings, gross and microscopic features, and molecular aberrations. This article focuses on histopathologic diagnostic criteria and reporting guidelines. The genetics of these lesions are briefly discussed. Early detection and adequate treatment of pancreatic cancer precursor lesions has the potential to prevent pancreatic cancer and improve the prognosis of PDAC.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands. Electronic address: m.p.m.noe@umcutrecht.nl.
authors.forename: Michaël
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Noë
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Lodewijk A A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Brosens
mesh_terms: D002288:Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous / Q000473:pathology*; D002278:Carcinoma in Situ / Q000473:pathology*; D021441:Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal / Q000473:pathology*; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000473:pathology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests
keywords: Carcinogenesis; Histopathology; Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm; Molecular pathology; Mucinous cystic neoplasm; Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma; Pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia; Precursor lesions