Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Pancreatic Cyst - Could it be cancerous?

ztx
I recently went to the ER for severe pain in my left side, they found, following a CT scan, a ~10cm cyst at the tail of my pancreas I believe. They have put in a drain and have sent the fluid away for testing. I am no longer in any pain from the cyst. Here's the info I have, what do you think?
- I also had the same pain while heavily pregnant  a year ago. It lasted about 3 months and went away suddenly. I did not have any testing done as it was assumed it was muscular due to the pregnancy and then it went away.
- No jaundice, weight loss, fatigue (other than what is normal having a young child), vomiting etc
- No other masses were found by the two CT scans I had
- Blood results were normal
- The fluid was found to be noninflammatory (but could be from a previous case of inflamed pancreas during pregnancy?), and free of infection. I am waiting on the cytology testing

I go back for a follow up CT tomorrow to check the size and to hopefully schedule the drain removal.

So, what do you think?
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Three years ago, I had an MRI that showed 2 small cysts (2mm) in my pancreas.  Since my father had pancreatic cancer, I am particularly worried about this type of cancer.  Should I insist on a repeat MRI, even though I have no discomfort?  My only unusual symptoms are increased flatulence and some weight gain.
Helpful - 0
565239 tn?1307874590
According to the Mayo Clinic web site: "Pancreatic cysts are abnormal, sac-like pockets of fluid on or within your pancreas. Though it may be alarming to learn you have a pancreatic cyst, the good news is that most pancreatic cysts aren't cancerous — and many don't even cause symptoms.

In fact, many pancreatic cysts aren't technically cysts at all. Called pseudocysts, these pockets of fluids aren't lined with the type of cells found in true cysts. Instead, a pseudocyst's walls may include cells normally found in other organs, such as the stomach, intestines and the pancreas itself. Pseudocysts are never cancerous.

Your doctor may want to take a sample of the pancreatic cyst fluid to determine whether it's malignant or benign. If your cyst is or can become cancerous, treatment involves surgical removal."

So you probably have nothing to worry about.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Cancer Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Here are 15 ways to help prevent lung cancer.
New cervical cancer screening guidelines change when and how women should be tested for the disease.
They got it all wrong: Why the PSA test is imperative for saving lives from prostate cancer
Everything you wanted to know about colonoscopy but were afraid to ask
A quick primer on the different ways breast cancer can be treated.
Get the facts about this disease that affects more than 240,000 men each year.