Pancreatic cysts

Description

Pancreatic cysts are saclike pockets of fluid on or in your pancreas. The pancreas is a large organ located behind the stomach that produces hormones and enzymes that help to digest food. Pancreatic cysts are typically found during imaging testing for another problem.

The main categories of pancreatic cysts can be divided into two groups, non-neoplastic or cysts are neoplastic. Each group includes many different subtypes of cysts, such as pseudocysts, serous cystadenomas, and mucinous cystic neoplasms. Most are not cancerous, and many don't cause symptoms. But some pancreatic cysts may be, or may become cancerous.

Your doctor may take a sample of fluid from the pancreatic cyst to determine if cancer cells are present. Or your doctor might recommend the supervision of a cyst in the time for changes that indicate cancer.

Symptoms

You may not have symptoms of pancreatic cysts, which are often found when the imaging tests of the abdomen is done for another reason.

When signs or symptoms of the cysts occur, they typically include:

  • Persistent abdominal pain, which may radiate to the back
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weight loss
  • The feeling of being full after you start eating

When to see a doctor

Rarely, the cysts can become infected. See a doctor if you have fever and abdominal pain persisted.

A rupture of pancreatic cyst can be a medical emergency, but fortunately this is rare. A ruptured cyst can also cause infections of the abdominal cavity (peritonitis).

Causes

The cause of the majority of pancreatic cysts is unknown. Some cysts are associated with rare diseases, including polycystic kidney disease, or von Hippel-Lindau disease, a genetic disorder that can affect the pancreas and other organs.

Pseudocysts often follow an episode of a painful condition in which the digestive enzymes become prematurely activated and irritate the pancreas (pancreatitis). Pseudocysts may also be a result of an injury to the abdomen, such as from a car accident.

Risk factors

The excessive use of alcohol and gallstones are risk factors for pancreatitis, and pancreatitis is a risk factor for pseudocysts. Abdominal injury is a risk factor for pseudocysts.

Prevention

The best way to avoid those is to avoid pancreatitis, which is usually caused by gallstones or excessive alcohol use. If gallstones are causing pancreatitis, you may need to have your gallbladder removed. If pancreatitis is due to use of alcohol, non-consumption of alcohol can reduce your risk.

Pancreatic cysts

Diagnosis

Pancreatic cysts are diagnosed more frequently than in the past because the improvement of the technology of the image to find them more easily. Many pancreatic cysts are found during abdominal scans for other problems.

After taking a medical history and perform a physical exam, your doctor may recommend imaging tests to help with diagnosis and treatment planning. The tests include:

  • Computed tomography (CT scan). This imaging test can provide detailed information on the size and structure of a pancreatic cyst.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging. This imaging test can highlight the subtle details of a pancreatic cyst, including if you have any of the components that suggest an increased risk of cancer.
  • Endoscopic ultrasound. This test, such as magnetic resonance imaging, can provide a detailed image of a cyst. Also, the fluid can be collected from the cyst to the laboratory analysis of the possible signs of cancer.
  • Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is considered the imaging test of choice for the follow-up of a pancreatic cyst. This type of imagery is particularly useful for the evaluation of the cysts in the pancreatic duct.

The characteristics and location of the pancreatic cyst, along with their age and sex, it can sometimes help doctors determine the type of cyst that has:

  • Pseudocysts are non-cancerous (benign) and are usually caused by pancreatitis. Pancreatic pseudocysts may also be caused by a trauma.
  • Cystadenomas serous may be large enough to move to the nearby organs, causing abdominal pain and feeling of fullness. Cystadenomas serous occur more often in women older than 60 years old, and only rarely become cancerous.
  • Cystic neoplasms mucinous are usually located in the body or tail of the pancreas and almost always occurs in women, most often in middle-aged women. Cystadenoma, mucinous it is pre-cancerous, which means they may become cancer if not treated. Large cysts can be cancerous when found.
  • A neoplasm intraductal papillary mucinous (IPMN) is a growth in the main pancreatic duct or its side branches. intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) may be precancerous or cancerous. It can occur in men and women over the age of 50 years. Depending on your location and other factors, IPMN may require surgical removal.
  • Solid-pseudopapillary neoplasms are usually located in the body or tail of the pancreas and occur more frequently in women under 35 years of age. Are rare and sometimes cancer.
  • A cystic neuroendocrine tumor is mostly solid, but may have cystlike components. They can be confused with other pancreatic cysts and may be precancerous or cancerous.

Treatment

Watchful waiting or the treatment depends on the type of cyst you have, its size, its features and if it is causing symptoms.

Watchful waiting

A benign pseudocyst, even a large one, can be left alone as long as it is not bothering you. Cystadenoma serous rarely becomes cancerous, so it also can be left alone unless the root causes of the symptoms or grow. Some pancreatic cysts should be monitored.

Drainage

A hernia that is causing troublesome symptoms or increasing their size can be drained. A small, flexible tube (endoscope) is passed through the mouth into the stomach and the small intestine. The endoscope is equipped with an ultrasound probe (endoscopic ultrasound) and a needle to drain the cyst. Sometimes the drainage through the skin, it is necessary to.

Surgery

Some types of pancreatic cysts require surgical removal because of the risk of cancer. Surgery may be necessary to remove an enlargement of the pseudocyst or a cystadenoma serous that is causing the pain or other symptoms.

A pseudocyst may be repeated if you have a course of pancreatitis.

Preparing for your appointment

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

  • Write down your symptoms, including when they started and if they have changed or worsened with time.
  • Write down key personal information, including a history of injuries in the abdomen.
  • Make a list of all the medicines, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.
  • Write questions to ask their doctor.

Some basic questions include:

  • What is the most likely cause of my condition?
  • What tests do I need?
  • What type of cyst I have?
  • It is likely to become cancerous?
  • If I need surgery, what will my recovery be like?
  • What follow-up care will I need?
  • I have other conditions. How can I manage together?

Do not hesitate to ask other questions as well.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask you questions about your symptoms, such as:

  • When did your symptoms begin?
  • The symptoms been continuous or occasional?
  • How severe are the symptoms?
  • Where do you feel that your symptoms?
  • What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
  • What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
  • You have had pancreatitis?
  • How many alcoholic beverages do you consume daily?
  • Do you have gallstones?
The symptoms and treatment of Pancreatic cysts