Cystic tumors of the pancreas are diagnosed with increasing frequency. The main problems associated with their diagnosis are to determine ifthey are benign of malingnant and to decide their surgicai excisión or clinical follow up, since these tumors can be benign, potentiaiiy maiignant or malignant. Imaging techniques such as CT sean, magnetic resonance and endoscopic uitrasonography are the key procedures that must be performed before adopting a final therapeutic decisión. However, 10% of cystic lesions are unable to be categorized even after thorough imaging evaluation. We analyze the characteristics of the more common cystic pancreatic lesions and the means to recognize them.