Malignancy is as likely to occur in small cysts (<3 cm) as it is to occur in large cysts (>3 cm).
In any size category, the majority of cysts are benign.
| Benign | Malignant | |
| <1 cm | 41 (95%) | 2 (5%) |
| 1-2 cm | 168 (92%) | 14 (8%) |
| 2-3 cm | 86 (90%) | 10 (10%) |
| <3 cm | 77 (78%) | 22 (22%) |
Most cysts with a solid component are actually benign (n=42/66).
High CEA levels are associated with malignant cysts, but most cysts with a high CEA level are benign.
Nearly one-third of patients with a malignant cyst have a CEA level lower than 192 ng/ml.
| Benign | Malignant | |
| 0-5 ng/mL | 49 (92%) | 4 (8%) |
| 5-192 ng/mL | 85 (92%) | 7 (8%) |
| 192-1000 ng/mL | 71 (89%) | 9 (11%) |
| >1000 ng/mL | 55 (72%) | 21 (28%) |
A cyst’s mucinous status, as defined by an elevated CEA or any other definition, cannot predict the risk of cancer.
Cytology is highly specific for detecting malignancy.
When few cells are present for diagnosis cytology cannot effectively identify malignancy.
Cyst Size
Malignancy is as likely to occur in small cysts (<3 cm) as it is to occur in large cysts (>3 cm).
In any size category, the majority of cysts are benign.
| Benign | Malignant | |
| <1 cm | 41 (95%) | 2 (5%) |
| 1-2 cm | 168 (92%) | 14 (8%) |
| 2-3 cm | 86 (90%) | 10 (10%) |
| <3 cm | 77 (78%) | 22 (22%) |
Solid Component
Most cysts with a solid component are actually benign (n= 42/66).
CEA
High CEA levels are associated with malignant cysts, but most cysts with a high CEA level are benign.
Nearly one-third of patients with a malignant cyst have a CEA level lower than 192 ng/ml.
| Benign | Malignant | |
| 0-5 ng/mL | 49 (92%) | 4 (8%) |
| 5-192 ng/mL | 85 (92%) | 7 (8%) |
| 192-1000 ng/mL | 71 (89%) | 9 (11%) |
| >1000 ng/mL | 55 (72%) | 21 (28%) |
A cyst’s mucinous status, as defined by an elevated CEA or any other definition, cannot predict the risk of cancer.
Cytology
Cytology is highly specific for detecting malignancy.
When few cells are present for diagnosis cytology cannot effectively identify malignancy.