Suggest Treatment For Cyst In The Pancreas

Posted on Sat, 7 Mar 2015

Question: I have been diagnosed with pancreas cysts what can be done one at the tail 4mm and two within at 7mm each lots of pain waiting to do mri two months away

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
detailed below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

I read carefully your query and understand you are concerned about this.

When cyst are found in pancreas ,the most important thing is to determine the nature of these cyst and exclude a possible malignancy.
Usually pancreas cyst are benign .They may have been formed due to abdominal injury,gallstones, acute pancreatitis.In most of the cases they don't cause any symptom and are found accidentally in abdominal ultrasounds done for other reasons.
Once that these cysts in pancreas are diagnosed ,further evaluation is necessary.A MRI or CT-scan is ordered that serve to evaluate closer the structure of these cysts.In your doctor has any suspect he may order an endoscopic ultrasound.During this procedure,through a fine needle is taken a sample of fluid from the cyst for examination.
After confirming the benign nature of the cyst ,the treatment depend on the size of the cysts,the risk of complication and on present symptoms.Small cyst in an asymptomatic patient are only observed with abdominal ultrasound in specified intervals of time.Some cysts can resolve over time, without treatment .

The only definitive treatment for pancreatic cysts is surgery.
So if the cyst are big (over 6 cm on diameter ) and the risk of complications( infection,rupture) is high ,or if the patient has persistent symptoms ,surgical drainage is indicated.

Since your cysts are small and you have two cysts ,it is unlikely to be related to a malignant cause.After the MRI your doctor may decide just to keep them in observation.

Hope it helps.
Let me know if you have any other question or doubt to clarify.I will be happy to assist you further.

Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rovena (2 days later)

can i do heavy physical work or would i be able to get a sick leave from my job which makes my pain much worse by bending and lifting all day can i ask my doctor for a sick leave note for my job

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
avoid heavy physical work.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

You should avoid heavy physical work that can put in great abdominal pressure and may cause a rupture of your pancreatic cysts.
Since the work makes your symptoms worse and increases the pain ,you can get a sick leave note for you job.
You should discuss it will your treating doctor ,explaining everything to him.

Wish you all the best.

Take care,
Dr.Rovena

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar