Definition of early cancer of the pancreas

An early pancreatic cancer may be defined as one that is still localized, has not spread to distant sites, and for which cure is more likely because it can be excised completely. Improvements in computed tomography technology and the addition of newer imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance, positron emission tomography, and especially endoscopic ultrasound, which is the most sensitive, can detect tumors that are less than 1 cm in diameter. However, even some lesions as small as 1 cm have already metastasized. Existing data suggest that the biologic aggressiveness of the individual tumor is an important feature that influences curability. So perhaps a truly “early” cancer should be viewed as a microscopic lesion that shows no sign of invasion. Current examples are advanced intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia and pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia lesions. The challenge is to detect these early lesions soon enough to remove them before they become invasive, or to arrest their development and progression through drug treatment.