Pancreatic Cyst Care

More than 1 in 10 people live with pancreatic cysts, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. However, most cysts never cause problems, so they’re never diagnosed. As a result, many people live with pancreatic cysts without knowing it.

When cysts cause symptoms, specific testing can determine the type of cyst present. Your doctor may prescribe medical imaging tests, such as CT scan, MRI scan or an endoscopic ultrasound. Ochsner is home to state-of-the-art technology to evaluate and monitor your condition.

These imaging tests can help identify many types of pancreatic cysts, including:

• Incidental cysts. These are found when performing imaging exams for other health issues, such as an abdominal injury. They are smaller and don’t cause symptoms.

• Intrapapillary mucinous neoplasms. Neoplasms are tumors or abnormal growths. These develop inside the pancreatic ducts and can turn into cancer. Inside the pancreatic ducts, they produce mucin, which is in mucus.

• Mucinous cystic neoplasms. Mucinous cystic neoplasms almost solely affect women, typically during middle age. The cause is unclear, but they are likely related to hormones.

• Pancreatic pseudocysts. Pancreatitis occurs when digestive enzymes inflame the pancreas. This inflammation can lead to malignant or benign pseudocysts, which cause symptoms such as abdominal pain. Heavy alcohol intake increases the risk of pancreatic pseudocysts.

• Serous cystadenoma. Often causing no symptoms, serous cystadenoma are the most common noncancerous pancreatic tumors. Of the types of serous cystadenoma, microcystic adenomas are the most common.

Most pancreatic cysts don’t require treatment unless they cause symptoms or threaten your health. When treatment is appropriate, you may require one or more of the following:

• Ongoing surveillance. Your gastroenterologist watches precancerous cysts. In most cases, this means occasional imaging exams to ensure it is not growing or changing. If the cyst grows or causes symptoms, a treatment plan gets developed.

• Draining the cyst. Large pancreatic cysts caused by inflammation can cause annoying symptoms or get infected. To remedy these problems, your gastroenterologist drains the cyst.

• Surgical removal. Cancerous pancreatic cysts are removed surgically. Following surgical removal, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may help.

By turning to Ochsner for pancreatic cyst care, you have a multidisciplinary team on your side. Some of the experts who may join you on your treatment journey include:

• Dietitians and other nutrition experts

• Endoscopy nurses

• Gastroenterologists

• Nurse practitioners

• Nurses

• Psychologists

• Radiologists

• Surgical oncologists

No matter who you interact with, others participate in your care. A multidisciplinary team discusses every patient who turns to the Ochsner pancreatic program. By combining their unique expertise, the team cooperates to provide you with excellent patient care.