Pancreatic cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or within the pancreas, a vital organ located behind the stomach responsible for producing hormones and digestive enzymes. These cysts are often detected incidentally during imaging tests conducted for other medical conditions. Pancreatic cysts are categorized into two main groups: ✔ Nonneoplastic cysts – Includes pseudocysts and serous cystadenomas, which are typically benign and rarely cause complications. ✔ Neoplastic cysts – Includes mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCN) and other cystic tumors, which may have malignant potential and require monitoring or intervention. While many pancreatic cysts remain harmless and asymptomatic, some may develop into cancer or cause discomfort. If you have been diagnosed with a pancreatic cyst, consult Dr. Ujwal Zambare, the Best Gastroenterologist & Pancreatic Disease Surgeon in Wakad, PCMC, Pune, for expert evaluation and personalized treatment. Causes The cause of most pancreatic cysts is unknown. Some cysts are associated with rare illnesses, including polycystic kidney disease or von Hippel-Lindau disease, a genetic disorder that can affect the pancreas and other organs. Pseudocysts often follow a bout of a painful condition in which digestive enzymes become prematurely active and irritate the pancreas (pancreatitis). Pseudocysts can also result from injury to the abdomen, such as from a car accident. Symptoms You may not have symptoms from pancreatic cysts, which are often found when imaging tests of the abdomen are done for another reason. Persistent abdominal pain, which may radiate to your back Nausea and vomiting Weight loss Feeling full soon after you start eating How Are Pancreatic Cysts and Pseudocysts Treated? Most pseudocysts resolve on their own without treatment, over time. However, when symptoms become persistent, complications emerge or a cyst become larger than 6 centimeters in size, it should be drained. Endoscopic drainage. Percutaneous catheter drainage, which uses hollow tube inserted into the body to remove fluid. Surgical drainage, either via open surgery or laparoscopic surgery (using a laparoscope, a surgical tool that only requires a small incision). Prevention The best way to avoid pseudocysts is to avoid pancreatitis, which is usually caused by gallstones or heavy alcohol use. If gallstones are triggering pancreatitis, you may need to have your gallbladder removed. If your pancreatitis is due to alcohol use, not drinking can reduce your risk. Request A Call Back: Dr. Ujwal Zambare at True Life Clinic & Wellness Center Wakad, provides expert care for pancreatic cysts, offering advanced diagnosis and personalized treatment options. Pancreatic cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form in or on the pancreas. While many are benign, some may become cancerous over time. If you experience symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, or digestive issues, don’t wait—consult the best Gastroenterologist & Pancreatic Specialist in Wakad, PCMC, Pune for expert evaluation and care. 📞 For appointments and more information, call: 098159 94279.

The pancreas is a gland, about six inches long, located in the abdomen. It is shaped like a flat pear and is surrounded by the stomach, small intestine, liver, spleen and gallbladder. The wide end of the pancreas on the right side of the body is called the head. The middle sections are the neck and body. The thin end of the pancreas on the left side of the body is called the tail. The uncinate process is the part of the gland that bends backwards and underneath the head of the pancreas. Two very important blood vessels, the superior mesenteric artery and superior mesenteric vein, cross behind the neck of the pancreas and in front of the uncinate process. The pancreas is both an exocrine gland and endocrine gland and has two main functions – digestion and blood sugar regulation. For advanced pancreatic disease diagnosis and treatment in Pune, consult Dr. Ujwal Zambare, the Best Gastroenterologist & Pancreas Specialist in Wakad, Pune. Pancreas Conditions Diabetes, type 1: The body’s immune system attacks and destroys the pancreas’ insulin-producing cells. Lifelong insulin injections are required to control blood sugar. Diabetes, type 2: The body becomes resistant to insulin, causing blood sugar rises. The pancreas eventually loses the ability to appropriately produce and release insulin, leading to a need for synthetic insulin. Cystic fibrosis: A genetic disorder that affects multiple body systems, usually including the lungs and the pancreas. Digestive problems and diabetes often result. Pancreatic cancer: The pancreas has many different types of cells, each of which can give rise to a different type of tumor. The most common type arises from the cells that line the pancreatic duct. Because there are usually few or no early symptoms, pancreatic cancer is often advanced by the time it’s discovered. Pancreatitis: The pancreas becomes inflamed and damaged by its own digestive chemicals. Swelling and death of tissue of the pancreas can result. Although alcohol or gallstones can contribute, sometimes a cause for pancreatitis is never found. Islet cell tumor: The hormone-producing cells of the pancreas multiply abnormally, creating a benign or cancerous tumor. These tumors produce excess amounts of hormones and then release them into the blood. Gastrinomas, glucagonomas, and insulinomas are examples of islet cell tumors. Enlarged pancreas: An enlarged pancreas is rare. It may be a harmless anatomic abnormality or it may be a sign of autoimmune pancreatitis. Pancreas Tests Physical examination: By pressing on the center of the belly, a doctor might check for masses or abdominal pain. They can also look for other signs of pancreas conditions. Pancreatic pain often radiates to the back. Abdominal ultrasound: An abdominal ultrasound can detect gallstones that might block the outflow of fluid from the pancreas. It also can show an abscess or a pancreatic pseudocyst. Computed tomography scan: A CT scanner takes multiple X-rays, and a computer creates detailed images of the pancreas and abdomen. Contrast dye may be injected into your veins to improve the images. This imaging test can help assess the health of the pancreas. A CT scan can identify complications of pancreatic disease such as fluid around the pancreas, an enclosed infection (abscess), or a collection of tissue, fluid, and pancreatic enzymes (pancreatic pseudocyst). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Magnetic waves create highly detailed images of the abdomen. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is an MRI that focuses on the pancreas, liver, and bile system. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): Using a camera on a flexible tube advanced from the mouth to the intestine, a doctor can access the area of the pancreas head. Tiny surgical tools can be used to diagnose and treat some pancreas conditions. Sweat chloride test: A painless electric current stimulates the skin to sweat, and the chloride in perspiration is measured. People with cystic fibrosis often have high sweat chloride levels. Pancreas Treatments Physical examina Insulin: Injecting insulin under the skin causes body tissues to absorb glucose, lowering blood sugar. Insulin can be created in a lab or purified from animal sources. Pseudocyst drainage: A pseudocyst can be drained by inserting a tube or needle through the skin into the pseudocyst. Alternately, a small tube or stent is placed between either the pseudocyst and the stomach or the small intestine, draining the cyst. Pseudocyst surgery: Sometimes, surgery is necessary to remove a pseudocyst. Either laparoscopy (multiple small incisions) or laparotomy (one larger incision) may be needed. Pancreatic cancer resection (Whipple procedure): The standard surgery to remove pancreatic cancer. In a Whipple procedure, a surgeon removes the head of the pancreas, the gallbladder, and the first section of the small intestine (the duodenum). Occasionally, a small part of the stomach is also removed.

An abdominoperineal resection (APR) is a surgery in which the anus, rectum and sigmoid colon are removed. This procedure is most often used to treat rectal cancers located very low in the rectum. Often this surgery occurs after you have completed radiation and/or chemotherapy treatments.

Hemicolectomy A hemicolectomy is a type of surgery done to remove part of your large intestine called your colon. Your colon can be partially removed without affecting the way it works in your digestive system. Once the affected part is removed, the remaining ends are joined together with almost no impact on your digestion.