Have you recently been diagnosed with pancreatic cysts and are wondering if it is something to worry about?
Pancreatic cysts are common among the older generation. Moreover, the rate is even increasing in individuals with no symptoms due to frequent health checkups and advanced imaging techniques.
Most pancreatic cysts are benign; however, there are others which are cancerous. But how do you know that your pancreatic cysts need urgent medical attention?
In this blog, we will break down what pancreatic cysts are, their potential risks and when to seek medical attention.
What Are Pancreatic Cysts?
Pancreatic cysts are fluid-filled sacs or pockets that form in or inside the pancreas. In most cases, these cysts are pre-cancerous, but over time, they can turn malignant, with the patient not even realising. Most of the time, these cysts get diagnosed during imaging procedures such as MRI, CT scans and ultrasounds for unrelated health issues, says the best pancreas doctor in Kolkata.
There are several types of pancreatic cysts, which are classified into two categories.
- Non-neoplastic cysts: They are mostly harmless and result from pancreatitis. They are the most common type and resolve on their own.
- Neoplastic cysts: They begin as malignant but have the potential to turn cancerous. Hence, they require close monitoring or surgical removal.
Symptoms of Pancreatic Cysts
Pancreatic cysts generally do not have any symptoms and are mostly found while addressing other health concerns. Some of the subtle symptoms which patients mostly ignore are as follows:
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bloating or a feeling of fullness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- A mass in the abdomen
- Indigestion
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms for a long time, it's essential to consult the best pancreas doctor in Kolkata to get a thorough evaluation.
Are Pancreatic Cysts Harmful?
The danger of pancreatic cysts turning dangerous depends on their potential. It is to be noted that not all cysts are harmful; however, they can lead to serious complications when not treated at the right time.
Here are some of the risks it carries.
Pancreatic cancer: Some cysts, particularly MCNs and IPMNs, have the potential to turn malignant over time and cause pancreatic cancer.
Infection: Sometimes a cyst gets infected, causing severe abdominal pain and fever.
Rupture: In rare cases, a cyst may burst, leading to internal bleeding or infection.
Obstruction: Large cysts can press against other organs or bile ducts, leading to jaundice or digestive issues.
When Should You Worry About Pancreatic Cysts?
A pancreatic cyst becomes a cause of concern under the following situations:
- The size is larger than 3 cm.
- Associated with thickened walls
- Symptoms are not improving with medications.
- Becoming larger or showing changes over time.
Conclusion
Pancreatic cysts are not always dangerous, but overlooking them can cause serious complications. Hence, it is always advisable to consult a pancreas doctor in Kolkata to rule out concerns or seek treatment accordingly.
