Pancreatic Cyst Home A-Z Health Information Health Library A-Z Pancreatic Cyst Overview Pancreatic cyts are fluid-filled pouch-like structures that develop on/in the pancreas and may or may not be cancerous. Types Serous cystadenomas:Often benign (non-cancerous) fluid-filled cysts.Common in older adults (especially women).Typically asymptomatic.Mucinous cystadenomas:Can be benign but have potential to become cancerous (malignant).More common in women.Found in the body or tail of the pancreas.Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs):These are precancerous cysts that form in the pancreatic ducts.Can progress to pancreatic cancer if untreated.Often found in the head of the pancreas.Pseudocysts:Typically caused by pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).Contain fluid and debris from the inflammation.Can be asymptomatic but may cause pain or infection.Cystic neuroendocrine tumours:Rare, typically slow-growing tumours that may have cystic areas.May be benign or malignant.Solid-pseudopapillary tumours:Rare and usually benign but can turn malignant.More common in young women. Causes Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas): A key cause of pseudocysts.Genetic mutations: Inherited conditions like Von Hippel-Lindau disease or Gardner's syndrome may increase cyst formation.Chronic alcohol use: This can increase the risk of pancreatic inflammation and cyst formation.Cystic fibrosis: A genetic disorder that may contribute to pancreatic cyst development.Pancreatic cancer: In some cases, cysts can be an early sign of pancreatic cancer.Other underlying diseases: Certain conditions, like familial pancreatitis or conditions affecting pancreatic ducts, can predispose individuals to cyst formation. Risk factors Age: Risk increases with age, especially over 50.Gender: Some cysts, like mucinous cystadenomas, are more common in women.Chronic pancreatitis: Inflammation due to alcohol use or other factors can lead to pseudocysts.Genetic factors: Inherited conditions, including Von Hippel-Lindau disease or cystic fibrosis, can increase cyst risk.Family history: A family history of pancreatic cysts or pancreatic cancer increases the likelihood of developing cysts.Smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of pancreatic cysts, particularly those that are pre-cancerous. Symptoms Asymptomatic: Many pancreatic cysts do not cause symptoms, especially serous cysts or small cysts.Abdominal pain: Cysts, especially large ones, can cause discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen or back.Digestive issues: Nausea, vomiting, and bloating may occur if a cyst obstructs the pancreatic duct.Jaundice: If a cyst compresses the bile duct, it can cause jaundice.Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss can occur, especially with larger or malignant cysts.Pancreatitis symptoms: Fever, chills, and abdominal pain if cysts lead to infection or pancreatitis. Diagnosis Imaging tests:CT scan (computed tomography): Helps identify the presence, size, and location of cysts.MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): More detailed and can differentiate cyst types.Endoscopic ultrasound: Provides clear images and allows for biopsy in some cases.Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): Helps visualize the bile and pancreatic ducts; it may also help in draining cysts or taking biopsies.Biopsy: A tissue sample may be taken through a needle biopsy or during an endoscopic procedure to analyze the cyst's cells for cancerous changes.Cyst fluid analysis: Fluid obtained from the cyst may be analyzed for certain markers (like CEA or amylase) to assess the likelihood of malignancy. Treatment Observation: Small, asymptomatic cysts that do not show signs of malignancy may simply be monitored over time with regular imaging tests.Surgical removal: If the cyst is large, causing symptoms, or suspected to be cancerous, surgery may be recommended. Surgical options include:Cyst drainage: For pseudocysts, fluid may be drained.Pancreatic resection: Part of the pancreas may be removed to prevent cyst growth or cancer spread.Distal pancreatectomy: Removal of the tail or body of the pancreas, often used for mucinous cysts or IPMNs.Endoscopic drainage: For pseudocysts, endoscopic drainage may be used to remove fluid from the cyst using a flexible tube.Medication:Pain management and treatment of any underlying conditions like pancreatitis.Antibiotics if the cyst becomes infected.Chemotherapy or radiation: For malignant cysts or pancreatic cancer, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy may be necessary after surgical resection.