Pancreatic pseudocyst (patient information)
For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-in-Chief: Meagan E. Doherty
Please Join in Editing This Page and Apply to be an Editor-In-Chief for this topic: There can be one or more than one Editor-In-Chief. You may also apply to be an Associate Editor-In-Chief of one of the subtopics below. Please mail us [1] to indicate your interest in serving either as an Editor-In-Chief of the entire topic or as an Associate Editor-In-Chief for a subtopic. Please be sure to attach your CV and or biographical sketch.
What is Pancreatic pseudocyst?
A pancreatic pseudocyst is a fluid-filled sac in the abdomen, which may also contain tissue from the pancreas, pancreatic enzymes, and blood.
What are the symptoms of Pancreatic pseudocyst?
Symptoms can occur within days to months after an attack of pancreatitis, and include:
- Bloating of the abdomen
- Constant pain or deep ache in the abdomen, which may also be felt in the back
- Difficulty eating and digesting food
What are the causes of Pancreatic pseudocyst?
Who is at risk for Pancreatic pseudocyst?
How to know you have Pancreatic pseudocyst?
The health care provider may palpate your abdomen to feel for a pseudocyst, which feels like a mass in the middle or left upper abdomen.
Tests that may help diagnose pancreatic pseudocyst include:
When to seek urgent medical care
Rupture of the pseudocyst is an emergency situation. Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you develop symptoms of bleeding or shock, such as:
- Fainting
- Fever and chills
- Rapid heartbeat
- Severe abdominal pain
Treatment options
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for Pancreatic pseudocyst
Directions to Hospitals Treating Pancreatic pseudocyst
Prevention of Pancreatic pseudocyst
The way to prevent pancreatic pseudocysts is is by preventing pancreatitis. If pancreatitis is caused by gallstones, it is usually necessary to remove the gallbladder with surgery (cholecystectomy). When pancreatitis occurs due to alcohol abuse, the patient must stop drinking alcohol to prevent future attacks.
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)
The outcome is generally good with treatment.
Possible Complications
- A pancreatic abscess can develop if the pseudocyst becomes infected
- The pseudocyst can break open (rupture), which can be a serious complication because shock and excess bleeding (hemorrhage) may develop
- The pseudocyst may press down on (compress) nearby organs