Pancreatic Cysts

• Polycystic kidney disease
• Von Hippel-Lindau disease, where tumours develop on multiple organs
• Pancreatitis
• Abdominal injury
• Pancreatic cancer

Most of the time, pancreatic cysts do not cause any symptoms. They are often only discovered when imaging is used for other unrelated medical conditions. However, if you do have symptoms, this is what to look out for:

• Abdominal pain that radiates to your back
• Unintentional weight loss
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Feeling full after small meals

Individuals with the following factors have an increased risk of pancreatic cysts:

• Von Hippel-Lindau disease
• Pancreatitis
• Gallbladder/bile duct stones
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Abdominal injury

The following tests can be used to diagnose:

• Ultrasound: sound waves are used to produce images of the structures within your body. It is a non-invasive procedure used to identify any anomalies within the pancreas such as a pancreatic cyst.
• Computed tomography scans (CT-scans): non-invasive diagnostic imaging tool that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional, horizontal, or axial images of the body.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): allows for a better, all rounded view of your pancreas and surrounding organs.
• Endoscopic ultrasound: used to identify any abnormalities within or near the pancreas.
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP): combination of x-rays and an upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy to identify or treat problems with the pancreatic or bile ducts. This test is rarely used for pancreatic cyst

Benign pancreatic cysts usually do not need any therapy. This is particularly true for cysts less than 3cm in size, monitoring is recommended². However, if pancreatic cysts are large (>3cm) or are noted to grow in size, the following treatment options is available:

• Surgical resection: removal of the pancreatic cyst.