Pancreatic Cysts
What are pancreatic cysts?
Being told you have a pancreatic cyst can feel unsettling, especially when the finding is unexpected. Pancreatic cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form in or on the pancreas, and many are discovered incidentally during imaging performed for another reason.
Many pancreatic cysts are benign and may never cause problems, but some have the potential to become cancerous over time. Because of this variability, careful evaluation and monitoring are important. At UTHealth Houston Gastroenterology & Digestive Health, our specialists use advanced imaging and a personalized approach to determine the type of cyst and recommend the most appropriate next steps.
Causes of pancreatic cysts
Pancreatic cysts develop for different reasons. Some form after inflammation of the pancreas, called pancreatitis, and are known as pseudocysts. Others arise from changes in the cells that line the pancreatic ducts and may be classified as cystic neoplasms.
Certain types of cysts can carry a risk of progressing to cancer, although many do not. In some cases, the exact cause is unclear. Your care team will evaluate your medical history, imaging findings, and risk factors to better understand the type of cyst you have.
Symptoms of pancreatic cysts
Many pancreatic cysts do not cause symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include nausea, vomiting, and pain in the upper abdomen. Less commonly, patients may experience weight loss or jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin or eyes. Symptoms can vary depending on the size and location of the cyst. If a cyst becomes infected or leads to complications, more urgent symptoms may develop.
Diagnosis of pancreatic cysts
Pancreatic cysts are most often detected during MRIs or CT scans, which can determine the size, location, and characteristics of the cyst.
In some cases, an endoscopic ultrasound may be recommended. During this minimally invasive procedure, a thin, flexible tube with an ultrasound probe is passed through the mouth into the stomach and small intestine to obtain detailed images of the pancreas. A small sample of cyst fluid may be collected for laboratory analysis to better assess the type of cyst and its potential risk.
Your doctor may also order blood tests or recommend periodic imaging to monitor the cyst over time.
Treatment of pancreatic cysts
Treatment depends on the type of cyst, its size, whether it is causing symptoms, and whether it has features that suggest a higher risk of cancer. Many pancreatic cysts can be safely monitored with regular imaging, called active surveillance, to allow your care team to watch for any changes over time.
If a cyst is large, causing symptoms, or has characteristics associated with an increased cancer risk, surgery may be recommended. The surgical approach will depend on the cyst’s location and your overall health.
Our multidisciplinary team of gastroenterologists, surgeons, radiologists, and oncologists will work together to review each case and recommend an individualized care plan. With careful evaluation and appropriate follow-up, many patients with pancreatic cysts can be safely monitored or treated while preserving pancreatic function and quality of life.