Watching Pancreatic Cysts and Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Older Adults

Clinical Takeaway

: The American Gastroenterological Association offers guidance on when to consider discontinuing surveillance.

An overview of AGA Clinical Practice Update on Surveillance of Pancreatic Cystic Lesions and Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Older Adults: Expert Review (2026)

Background

When taking care of older patients, clinicians must continuously weigh benefits and risks of ongoing cancer surveillance. A new clinical practice update from the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) informs decision making in two common scenarios: surveillance of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs), which are usually discovered incidentally, and screening for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in older adults with underlying liver disease.

Key Recommendations

Asymptomatic pancreatic cystic lesions

Most PCLs are found incidentally, grow slowly, and confer low risk of malignancy, …

Reviewing Author

Molly S. Brett, M.D.

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose