Summary of things to know about pancreatic cysts

A pancreatic cyst is a sac-like, fluid-filled structure located within or on the surface of the pancreas. The pancreas is a gland in the digestive system. The pancreas is located behind the stomach and secretes enzymes that help digest food. So is pancreatic cyst a pancreatic cancer? Pancreatic cyst symptoms and how to treat? Let's learn about this situation with SignsSymptomsList.

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• 1. Overview
• 2. What symptoms do pancreatic cysts cause?
• 3. Cause 
• 4. How to prevent?
• 5. Method of diagnosing pancreatic cyst
• 6. How to treat pancreatic cyst?
• Ending

1. Overview

Normally, the pancreas does not have a cyst, but rather a solid structure. Basically, pancreatic cysts are divided into two types, cystic and non-tumor. Each of these large groups is further subdivided into different subgroups, such as pseudocysts, serous cysts, and mucinous cysts. Most of these cysts are noncancerous. However, there are a few types of cysts that can become cancerous.

The structure of the pancreas

When you have a pancreatic cyst, you may have tests from draining the cyst. At that time, the doctor can assess whether the pancreatic cyst contains cancer cells. In addition, you may need to be monitored for a while to see how the cyst changes.

>> Do you know the function of the pancreas? Find the answer in the article: Pancreas: Structure and function .

2. What symptoms do pancreatic cysts cause?

Usually, it doesn't show any noticeable symptoms. Patients often discover pancreatic cysts incidentally on imaging studies when testing for another medical condition or during a physical exam.

If pancreatic cysts are causing symptoms, they could be:

• Persistent abdominal pain that may radiate to the back.
• Feeling of nausea, vomiting .
• Weight loss.
• Feeling full quickly, full stomach .

You may feel fullness or pain in your stomach

When should you see a doctor?

In rare cases, pancreatic cysts can become infected. See your doctor if you have a fever or persistent abdominal pain.

When a pancreatic cyst ruptures, it can cause a very serious condition. At this point, you need immediate medical attention. Fortunately, however, this happens very rarely. A ruptured pancreatic cyst can also become infected and cause peritonitis.

3. Cause 

The cause of most pancreatic cysts is unknown. Some types of cysts are associated with rare diseases, such as polycystic kidney disease or von Hippel-Lindau disease, an inherited disease that affects the pancreas and other organs.

Pancreatic pseudocysts often appear following an episode of acute pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis is a condition that causes acute abdominal pain because pancreatic enzymes damage the pancreas. Pancreatic pseudocysts can also appear after an abdominal trauma, such as a car accident.

What are the risk factors for pancreatic cysts?

The two main risk factors for pancreatitis are alcoholism and gallstones . And pancreatitis is a risk factor for pancreatic pseudocysts. In addition, abdominal trauma also increases the likelihood of pancreatic pseudocysts.

Heavy drinking increases the risk of pancreatitis, which in turn increases the likelihood of pancreatic pseudocysts

4. How to prevent?

The best way to avoid a pancreatic cyst is to not have pancreatitis. If you are at risk for pancreatitis from gallstones, you may need to have your gallbladder removed. In addition, drinking alcohol also increases the risk of pancreatitis. Therefore, doctors recommend drinking only a moderate amount of alcohol.

5. Method of diagnosing pancreatic cyst

Today, modern medicine helps diagnose pancreatic cyst better than before thanks to imaging tests. New techniques make it easier and faster to find pancreatic cysts. Pancreatic cysts are usually detected on abdominal radiographs.

After a medical history and physical examination, your doctor will order some imaging tests to diagnose pancreatic cysts. In addition, these tests help determine the right treatment. Some tests are:

• CT scan. CT film helps to evaluate the details of the structure and size of pancreatic cysts.

CT scan can detect pancreatic cysts

• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Helps to see hidden details that are difficult to detect. It also helps to suggest whether a pancreatic cyst is potentially cancerous.
• Endoscopic ultrasound. Similar to MRI, this test gives detailed images of pancreatic cysts. In addition, this method also allows to take cyst fluid for testing. This is very valuable for diagnosing cysts with cancerous cells.
• Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). MRCP is the test of choice for monitoring pancreatic cysts. This test helps to clearly visualize the cystic structure in the pancreatic duct.

Diagnosis of pancreatic cyst

Based on the features and location of the pancreatic cyst, along with age and sex, can help suggest the type of pancreatic cyst of the patient. Here are some types of cysts:

• Pancreatic pseudocyst. These are noncancerous cysts and are usually caused by pancreatitis. Pancreatic pseudocysts can also appear after abdominal trauma.
• Serous cyst. This type of tumor can grow quite large, causing pressure on other organs. From there, it causes symptoms such as abdominal pain and a feeling of fullness. This tumor usually occurs in women over 60 years of age and is rarely cancerous.
• Mucus cyst. Usually located in the body or tail of the pancreas and almost exclusively in women. The common age is middle age. Mucinous cysts are precancerous, meaning they will progress to cancer if left untreated. Large tumors when detected are sometimes cancerous.
• Intraductal mucinous papilloma (IPMN) occurs in the pancreatic duct or pancreatic ductal branches. IPMN can be precancerous or cancerous. This tumor can appear in both men and women, usually over the age of 50. Depending on the location, surgical treatment may be required.
• Pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas. This type of tumor is usually located in the body or tail of the pancreas. Seen in women younger than 35 years. This tumor is rare and can sometimes be cancerous.
• Neuroendocrine tumors are usually solid but can also be cyst-like. May be precancerous or cancerous.

>> Read more: Endocrine pancreatic tumors: Dangerous cancer and things to know .

6. How to treat pancreatic cyst?

The choice of treatment or monitoring depends on the type, size, and characteristics of the cyst. Symptomatic factors are also considered in the selection of treatment.

Follow closely

If it is a benign pancreatic pseudocyst, despite its large size, it can still be left without surgery, as long as the cyst is not causing symptoms. Serous cysts rarely become cancerous, so surgery is not needed if there are no symptoms. However, it is necessary to monitor whether the tumor grows further.

Treatment of pancreatic cyst drainage

If a pancreatic pseudocyst is causing many uncomfortable symptoms, or as the cyst is growing larger, intervention may be necessary. The doctor will perform drainage of the pancreatic cyst. You will have an endoscopy through the mouth and perform aspiration of pancreatic cysts through the endoscope. Occasionally, percutaneous drainage is also performed.

Surgical treatment

Some forms of pancreatic cysts require surgical treatment. Cysts that require surgery are usually cancerous or potentially cancerous. For some large pancreatic pseudocysts or large serous cysts that cause significant discomfort, surgical resection is also considered.

Surgical treatment is considered according to the type of pancreatic cyst and the patient's condition

You should also be aware that pancreatic pseudocysts can reappear if you have pancreatitis. Therefore, please pay attention to this situation.

Ending

Pancreatic cyst is a structural abnormality that occurs in the pancreas. There are many types of pancreatic cysts with different cancerous potential and different treatments. When you find a pancreatic cyst by chance, talk to your doctor. Your doctor will evaluate and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Please share this information with those around you.

Doctor Nguyen Van Huan