Assessment of Preoperative Malignancy Risk in Pancreatic Cystic Neoplasms through Basic Clinical and Laboratory Parameters

Abstract Background The incidence of pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCN) is increasing over time. However, differentiating between benign and malignant cysts remains challenging. However, identifying between benign and malignant cysts remains difficult. Despite suggestions from many organisations and research groups calling for endosonography and cytology, postoperative pathology is frequently used to make the final diagnosis. This study aimed to investigate the malignancy probability of PCNs using simple clinical and biochemical parameters. Method A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients who underwent surgery for pancreatic cystic neoplasms. Based on postoperative pathology, patients were divided into two groups: Group A, which included those with malignancy or high-grade dysplasia, and Group B, which included those with benign or low-grade dysplasia. A comparison was made between pathology results and clinical and laboratory data. Results Out of the 70 patients, 42 (60%) were in Group A, and 28 (40%) were in Group B. The mean age was 59.59, and 60% of the patients were male. Univariant analysis (OR 95% CI) revealed that age was 1.095 (1.042–1.150) (p < 0.001), diabetes mellitus was 4.889 (1.710-13.977) (p = 0.003), red cell distribution width (RDW) was 2.240 (1.485–3.380) (p < 0.001), and albumin was 0.914 (0.844–0.989) (p = 0.026). However, in the multivariate analysis, age and RDW were identified as independent variables (OR 95% CI) with values of 1.067 (1.014–1.122) (p = 0.012) and 1.784 (1.172–2.715) (p = 0.007), respectively. Conclusion The differentiation between benign and malignant PCN can only be achieved through advanced and specialized investigations. Postoperative pathology is still the most precise means of diagnosis. Age and RDW were shown to be useful in identifying individuals who may benefit from endosonography and cytology, as well as those who needed surgical intervention.