Definition

Small growths containing fluid found either on or inside the pancreas. Though a majority are benign, pancreatic cysts can be cancerous or precancerous. There are also different kinds of pancreatic cysts depending on cause and content.

The pancreas plays key roles in both digestion and blood sugar regulation. Although pancreatic cysts are commonly benign, some of them are precancerous. Early detection and diagnosis can improve outcomes and protect your pancreas's health.

What causes pancreatic cysts?

Most pancreatic cysts have no known cause, as they are typically discovered during testing for other ailments, such as in a CT scan or MRI. In some cases, inflammation of the pancreas, or pancreatitis, has been linked to the growth of cysts on the pancreas. Trauma to the abdomen can also be a contributing factor.

Types of pancreatic cysts

Pancreatic cysts are divided into two categories:

• Precancerous or neoplastic cysts and
• Benign or nonneoplastic cysts

There are different types of pancreatic cysts. The most common include:

• Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, or IPMNs, are precancerous. Effective treatment can be active surveillance or, if needed, removal.
• Mucinous cystic neoplasms, or MCNs, are precancerous cysts treated by removal due to their aggressive growth rate.
• Serous cystadenomas are often benign and managed with regular surveillance unless the tumor is obstructive.
• Pseudocyst: Collection of fluid surrounded by a wall of fibrous tissue but lacking a true epithelial lining (hence the term "pseudo," meaning false). It develops after inflammation or injury to the pancreas.

Proper diagnosis of pancreatic cysts is the first step to treatment and improving outcomes.

What are symptoms of pancreatic cysts?

Pancreatic cysts are often asymptomatic, but patients may begin to experience symptoms of pancreatic cysts if they become obstructive. Symptoms may include:

• A lump or mass in the abdomen
• Acute or chronic pancreatitis
• Abdominal or back pain
• Diarrhea
• Jaundice
• Unexplained weight loss

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

How are pancreatic cysts treated?

Treatment of pancreatic cysts first requires detection and diagnosis. Pancreatic cysts are often found during scans for other issues, such as a CT scan or MRI. To properly diagnose and treat a pancreatic cyst, your provider may utilize endoscopic ultrasound to collect a pancreatic cyst biopsy and fluid for analysis.

Once a pancreatic cyst is properly identified, active surveillance or surgical removal is the next step in treatment.