Pancreatic Cysts

 Pancreatic Cyst

What are Pancreatic cysts?

Pancreatic cysts are masses or closed sacs which contain fluid. Most cysts are non-cancerous and predominantly asymptomatic. However, small percentage of cysts have neoplastic potential.

Some types of pancreatic cysts require surgical removal because of the risk of cancer. Surgery might be needed to remove an enlarged pseudocyst or a serous cystadenoma that's causing pain or other symptoms.



Pancreatic cysts can be divided into 2 subtypes non-neoplastic and neoplastic

1.      Non-neoplastic

a)      Lymphoepithelial

b)      Retention

c)      Cystic lymphangioma

d)      Cavernous hemangioma

e)      Serous cystic adenoma

1.      Neoplastic

a)      Cystic ductal adenocarcinoma

b)      Cystic neuroendocrine tumor

c)      Cystic acinar cystadenocarcinoma

 

Clinical features

As mentioned earlier, most cysts are benign and asymptomatic. But a minority of cysts may produce symptoms which include

a)           1) Abdominal pain or discomfort with/without bloating

b)          2) Nausea and vomiting

c)          3)  Early feeling of fullness


Imaging modalities

1.        CT abdomen

2.       Endoscopic ultrasound for mapping and biopsy


Management

1.       Depending on the size and histopathological report, further management is   decided

2.      Benign masses- Watchful waiting

3.      Neoplastic growth- Surgery



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