Pancreatic Cysts: Causes, Symptoms and Risk Factors

Pancreatic cysts are fluid-filled, sac-like pockets that form on or inside the pancreas. The large organ that produces hormones and digestive enzymes under the stomach is called the pancreas. Pancreatic cysts are typically found during imaging studies for other conditions.

The two main categories of pancreatic cysts are neoplastic and neoplastic cysts. Each group has a variety of unique cyst subtypes, such as serous cystadenomas, pseudocysts, and mucinous cystic neoplasms. Many of them are benign, meaning they don't show any symptoms. However, some pancreatic cysts are cancerous now or in the future.

Your doctor might take a sample of the fluid from the pancreatic cyst to look for cancer cells in it. Alternatively, your doctor might suggest monitoring a cyst for any changes.

Causes Of Pancreatic Cysts

It is uncertain what causes the majority of pancreatic cysts. A hereditary disorder that can damage the pancreas and other organs, von Hippel-Lindau disease, and polycystic kidney disease are two rare illnesses that are linked to certain cysts.

A painful illness known as pancreatitis, in which the pancreas is irritated by premature activation of digesting enzymes, is frequently followed by pseudocysts. Abdominal injuries, like those sustained in auto accidents, can also cause pseudocysts.

Also Read: Meckel's Diverticulum: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Differential Diagnosis, Treatment and Complications

Symptoms Of Pancreatic Cysts

Pancreatic cysts are frequently discovered via abdominal imaging examinations that are performed for other purposes, even though you may not be experiencing any symptoms.

When pancreatic cysts do manifest, the following are usually the symptoms:

• Persistent stomach pain that could perhaps be referred to your back
• Vomiting and nausea
• Loss of weight
• Feeling satisfied shortly after beginning to eat

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Risk Factors Of Pancreatic Cysts

Pseudocysts and pancreatitis are associated with certain risk factors, including as

• Gallstones
• Heavy alcohol consumption.
• Another condition that increases the likelihood of pseudocysts is abdominal injuries.

Also Read: Mammary Duct Ectasia: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Complications

Diagnosis Of Pancreatic Cysts

Because pancreatic cysts can now be found more easily with enhanced imaging equipment, more cases of pancreatic cysts are being discovered. When abdomen scans are performed for other issues, many pancreatic cysts are discovered.

In order to aid in diagnosis and treatment planning, your doctor could suggest imaging tests after obtaining your medical history and doing a physical examination. Tests consist of:

• CT scan (computerized tomography): A pancreatic cyst's size and structure can be precisely determined with this imaging test.
• An MRI: This imaging examination can reveal minor aspects of a pancreatic cyst, such as the presence of any components that may indicate an increased risk of malignancy.
• Endoscopic ultrasound: Similar to an MRI, this test can give a clear picture of the cyst. Additionally, fluid from the cyst can be removed and examined in a lab for potential cancerous symptoms.
• MRCP, or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography: When it comes to monitoring a pancreatic cyst, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is thought to be the best imaging technique available. When assessing pancreatic duct cysts, this particular imaging modality is particularly useful.

Doctors can occasionally identify the sort of pancreatic cyst you have based on its characteristics, location, age, and sex:

• Pseudocysts are often brought on by pancreatitis and are benign (not malignant). Trauma is another factor that might lead to pancreatic pseudocysts.
• Abdominal pain and a fullness sensation are a result of serous cystadenomas that can grow to a size that displaces surrounding organs. Females over 60 are most likely to have serous cystadenomas, which sporadically progress to cancer.
• Nearly always occurring in women, especially middle-aged women, mucinous cystic neoplasms are typically located in the body or tail of the pancreas. Precancerous indicates that if mucinous cystadenoma is not treated, it could develop into cancer. When discovered, larger cysts may already be malignant.
• A tumor within the main pancreatic duct or one of its side branches is known as an intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, or IPMN. IPMN, or intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, has the potential to develop into cancer or precancerous. Males and females over 50 years old may get it. According to where it is located and other factors, IPMN may require surgical removal.

Also Read: Boerhaave's Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Treatment Of Pancreatic Cysts

Depending on the kind, size, features, and presence of symptoms of your cyst, you may need to undergo treatment or just watch it as it heals.

• Cautiously watching
• If a pseudocyst is not troubling you, you can leave it alone, even if it is enormous. Serous cystadenoma can also be ignored unless it develops symptoms or becomes larger, as it seldom progresses to cancer. A few pancreatic cysts need to be closely watched.
• Drainage It is possible to drain a pseudocyst that is expanding or generating uncomfortable symptoms. Your mouth is used to pass an endoscope, a tiny, flexible tube, into your small intestine and stomach. A needle to empty the cyst and an ultrasound probe (endoscopic ultrasonography) are attached to the endoscope. There are instances when skin drainage is required.
• Surgery: Due to the possibility of cancer, certain forms of pancreatic cysts must be surgically removed. If a serous cystadenoma or larger pseudocyst is causing discomfort or other symptoms, surgery may be required to remove it. If you continue to experience pancreatitis, a pseudocyst may reoccur.

Also Read: Subarachnoid Haemorrhage: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis and Treatment

Prevention Of Pancreatic Cysts

The best defense against pancreatitis, which is typically brought on by gallstones or excessive alcohol consumption, is avoidance of pseudocysts. Your gallbladder may need to be removed if pancreatitis is being caused by gallstones. If alcohol usage is the cause of your pancreatitis, abstaining from alcohol can lower your risk.

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