Home | Donate | Discussion Board

The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center

• For Patients & Family
• Cancer Clinic
• Cyst Clinic
• NFPTR
• Medical Professionals
• Donate
• Blog

• Welcome
• Getting Here
• What to Expect
• Team
• Referrals
• Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms (IPMNs)
• Endoscopic Ultrasound FAQs
• Video

Overview:

• Patients are seen in The Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center on Wednesday afternoon.
• Prior to the clinic appointment patients will have diagnostic testing done in the form of specialized 3-dimensional pancreatic CT scans or MRI read by radiologists from Johns Hopkins who specialize in pancreatic cysts.
• If further investigations, such as Endoscopic Ultrasound, is required, where possible, this is preformed the following day.
• The pancreatic multidisciplinary group, consisting of surgeons, gastroenterologists, pathologists, and radiologists meet every Tuesday and review the imaging, endoscopic ultrasound, and other results. An individualized management plan is then developed.
• Patients are contacted with a plan on how to manage their cysts the Wednesday following their clinic appointment.
• Once a treatment plan has been finalized, follow up appointments and imaging will be scheduled.
• If surgery is necessary, patients will be given detailed information about the surgery. Patients will have the opportunity to meet their surgeon at the clinic. We understand waiting for surgery can be stressful and surgery will be scheduled promptly.
• Patients will be provided with information about ongoing trials for pancreatic cysts at Johns Hopkins at the time of their clinic visit.

What can I expect from the program?

The Multidisciplinary Pancreatic Cyst Program is committed to providing patients with a complete assessment of their cysts and provides them with a plan on how to manage their cysts within one week of being seen in clinic.

A patient will:

• Be seen in one clinic location by a surgeon and gastroenterologist with a special interest in pancreatic cysts.
• Receive a comprehensive assessment.
• Have access to the following pancreatic cyst specialists:
  • Gastroenterologists
  • Surgeons
  • Pathologists
  • Radiologists
• Have a treatment/management plan within one week of their clinic visit.
• Any additional tests will be scheduled promptly at the time of the clinic visit.
• Have their case reviewed by a multidisciplinary pancreatic cyst group following completion of their workup.
• Summaries provided to primary care and/or referring physician within one week of the referral.
• Patients will be provided with information about any ongoing trials involving pancreatic cysts at Johns Hopkins.

The Pancreatic Cyst Program offers:

• Educational materials for the patient and their families.
• Same day diagnostic testing including specialized 3-dimensional pancreatic CT scans and MRI read by expert pancreatic radiologists
• Access to endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) performed by Johns Hopkins Gastroenterologists who have had advanced training in pancreatic endoscopic ultrasound.
• Careful examination of pathological slides by expert pancreatic pathologists.
• Surgeons with extensive experience in resection of pancreatic cysts.

GOALS:

• To provide a smooth and efficient patient experience.
• To improve communication between patients with pancreatic cysts and their healthcare providers.
• To educate patients with pancreatic cysts, healthcare professionals, and the general public about pancreatic cysts and treatment options.
• To work toward better pancreatic cyst treatment guidelines to prevent the development of pancreatic cancer.