Preface to pancreatic cancer

Our ability to diagnose and stage pancreatic adenocarcinoma, cystic pancreatic neoplasms and pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms continues to improve, owing to advances in ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Consequently, imaging has become an increasingly critical component in the clinical management of patients with pancreatic neoplasms. Accurate staging is important to determine appropriate treatment and to minimize the number of patients who undergo unnecessary laparotomy. In addition, much has been learned recently about the epidemiology and genetics of pancreatic neoplasms, which may lead to novel approaches to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of pancreatic cancer. As with other malignancies, a multidisciplinary team approach is essential to optimizing patient care and providing the most appropriate treatment. This issue of Contemporary Issues in Cancer Imaging provides a detailed review, not only of the imaging evaluation of pancreatic neoplasms, but also the epidemiology, genetics, pathology, and clinical management of these tumors. Separate chapters focus on the surgical staging and management of pancreatic cancers and the treatment of locally advanced and metastatic disease. Thus, although this volume is directed primarily at radiologists, it also will be of considerable value to other medical specialists involved in the care of patients with pancreatic cancer.