Filed under: Digestive Health Pancreatic cysts are sac-like
pockets of fluid on or within your pancreas. The pancreas is a
large organ located behind the stomach. It produces hormones and
enzymes that help digest food. Most pancreatic cysts aren't
cancerous, and many don't cause symptoms. In fact, many
pancreatic cysts technically aren't cysts at all. Called
pseudocysts, these noncancerous (benign) pockets of fluids are
lined with scar or inflammatory tissue, not the type of cells
found in true cysts. But some pancreatic cysts can be cancerous.
Your doctor may want to take a sample of the pancreatic cyst
fluid to determine if cancer cells are present. Sometimes, your
doctor may not be able to tell whether a cyst may become
cancerous. Your doctor may recommend monitoring the cyst over
time for changes in size or shape that may suggest the need to
remove it surgically. Some cysts have a low potential for
becoming cancerous, and your doctor may recommend watching them
carefully. Want to know more about this arti