Pancreatic Cyst

Causes:

1. Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can lead to the formation of
cysts.
2. Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) and mucinous cystic
neoplasms (MCNs): These are precancerous conditions that can cause
cysts to form.
3. Serous cystadenomas: Benign tumors that are filled with clear fluid and
can develop cysts.
4. Pancreatic cancer: Rarely, cysts may be a sign of pancreatic cancer.

Signs and Symptoms:

1. Many pancreatic cysts are asymptomatic and are discovered incidentally
during imaging tests for other conditions.
2. When symptoms do occur, they may include abdominal pain or
discomfort, nausea, vomiting, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes),
and weight loss.

Prevention:

1. Prevention strategies for pancreatic cysts depend on their underlying
causes. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding excessive
alcohol consumption, and managing conditions such as pancreatitis may
help reduce the risk of developing certain types of cysts.

Treatment:

1. Medical Treatment:

Observation: Small, asymptomatic cysts may simply be monitored
over time with regular imaging tests to check for changes.

Drainage: For symptomatic cysts or those at risk of infection or
rupture, a procedure called endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine
needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) may be performed to drain the fluid
from the cyst.

Medications: Antibiotics may be prescribed if the cyst becomes
infected.

2. Surgical Treatment:

Surgery may be recommended for larger cysts, cysts causing
symptoms, or those suspected to be cancerous.

Surgical options include cyst removal (cystectomy), distal
pancreatectomy (removal of the distal portion of the pancreas), or
pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure) for cysts located in
the head of the pancreas.

Minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic or robotic
surgery may be used when appropriate.