A pancreatic cyst is a condition in which abnormal pockets of fluid form on or within your pancreas. In most cases, the cause of a pancreatic cyst is unknown. Pancreatic cysts, which are also referred to as pancreatic pseudocysts, are typically noncancerous (benign) and may not cause any noticeable symptoms. Depending upon the size or severity of the pancreatic cyst, some symptoms may develop.
Pain
Abdominal pain is the most commonly reported symptom associated with pancreatic cysts, according to a study published in the April 2003 issue of "Archives of Surgery," by Dr. Fernandez-del Castillo and colleagues. Of the 134 pancreatic cyst patients examined in this study, 69 percent reported experiencing abdominal pain. A portion of these patients (18 percent) also reported experiencing back pain. The severity of pain may vary from mild to severe and is often dependent upon the size of the pancreatic cyst. Severe abdominal pain, according to the Web site GeorgiaHealthInfo.gov, may indicate that your pancreatic cyst has ruptured, which can lead to massive internal bleeding. If you experience severe abdominal pain, it is important that you seek medical care as soon as possible.
Weight Loss
If you have a pancreatic cyst, you may experience nausea or vomiting, which may induce weight loss in some individuals. In the previously noted study by Dr. Fernandez-del Castillo and colleagues, weight loss was reported by almost 40 percent of study patients. If you experience nausea, vomiting or unexplained weight loss in conjunction with abdominal pain, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatic cysts commonly occur after an individual has experienced an episode of pancreatitis, according to the Georgia Department of Community Health. Pancreatitis is a condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed or irritated, leading to abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting. Some people may develop pancreatic cysts and pancreatitis at the same time, which can cause significant pain and discomfort. If you recently experienced an episode of pancreatitis and are still experiencing abdominal symptoms, consider contacting your primary care physician as soon as possible.
Jaundice
If you have a pancreatic cyst, you may notice a yellowing of your skin or eyes--a medical condition called jaundice. Dr. Fernandez-del Castillo and colleagues found that 18 percent of the pancreatic cyst patients in their study reported developing jaundice. While jaundice itself is not a life-threatening condition, changes in skin color are often indicative of additional medical problems. If you notice changes in the coloring of your skin or eyes, contact your medical care provider as soon as possible.
Abdominal Mass
According to the National Pancreas Foundation, people with pancreatic cysts may develop an abdominal mass within or near the pancreas. The abdominal mass may be painful and--though typically benign--may become malignant (cancerous). If you develop any type of mass within your abdomen, seek medical care as soon as possible.
References
- "Archives of Surgery;" Incidental Pancreatic Cysts - Clinicopathologic Characteristics and Comparison With Symptomatic Patients; Carlos Fernandez-del Castillo, MD, et. al.; Apr. 2003
- Georgia Health Info: Pancreatic Cysts
- The National Pancreas Foundation: Pancreatic Cysts
