DIAGNOSIS
The pancreas is situated deep within the abdominal cavity. It can be located and diagnosed using imaging technology. Doctors may use the following:
- CT scan: It will provide information about the size and characteristics of the pancreatic cysts.
- MRI scan: It will provide further characterization of the nature of the cysts, whether they are cancerous or not.
- Endoscopic ultrasound: It will give detailed images of the pancreas and the cysts. It is recommended for cysts that have bothersome characteristics. Biopsies can also be collected through this procedure.
- Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP): It will show images of the pancreatic bile duct to detect whether there are pancreatic cysts inside.
Doctors can also determine the type of it using different factors such as the location of the cysts, features of the cysts, and age and sex of the patient.
TREATMENT
Treatment rests upon the size and characteristics of the cysts. Most pancreatic cysts, especially those who have small cysts and are asymptomatic, do not need treatment. Instead, they are asked to observe if the cysts continue to grow. On the other hand, Pancreatic cysts exhibiting persistent moderate to severe symptoms need medical treatment.
Treatments for pancreatic cysts include:
- Observation: Small asymptomatic cysts do not require treatment, but they shall be kept in surveillance. Pancreatic cysts are monitored with yearly scans to monitor its nature and growth.
- Drainage: It is a procedure in which an endoscope will pass through the mouth directed to the small intestine. It has endoscopic ultrasound, as well as a need to drain fluid from the cysts. In some cases, the drainage through the skin is the only workable choice.
- Surgery: Pancreatic cysts that are enlarged and cancerous require removal.
