Many people have no symptoms from pancreatic cysts. They are often found when imaging tests of the abdomen are done for another reason.

When symptoms of pancreatic cysts do happen, they typically include:

• Ongoing belly pain, which may radiate to the back.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Weight loss.
• Feeling full soon after starting to eat.

Rarely, cysts can become infected. See a healthcare professional if you have a fever and belly pain that won't go away.

A ruptured pancreatic cyst can be a medical emergency, but fortunately is rare. A ruptured cyst also can cause infection of the abdominal cavity, called peritonitis.

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, called pancreatitis. Pseudocysts can also result from injury to the abdomen, such as from a car accident.

Heavy alcohol use and gallstones are risk factors for pancreatitis, and pancreatitis is a risk factor for pseudocysts. Abdominal injury also is a risk factor for pseudocysts.

Watchful waiting or treatment depends on the type of cyst you have, its size, its characteristics and whether it's causing symptoms.

Watchful waiting

A benign pseudocyst, even a large one, can be left alone as long as it isn't bothering you. A serous cystadenoma rarely becomes cancerous, so it also can be left alone unless it causes symptoms or grows. Some pancreatic cysts should be monitored.

Drainage

A pseudocyst that is causing bothersome symptoms or growing larger can be drained. A small flexible tube called an endoscope is passed through the mouth to the stomach and small intestine. The endoscope may be equipped with an ultrasound probe, called an endoscopic ultrasound. A needle or stent may be used to drain the cyst. Sometimes drainage through the skin is necessary.

Surgery

Some types of pancreatic cysts require surgical removal because of the risk of cancer. Surgery might be needed to remove an enlarged pseudocyst or a serous cystadenoma that's causing pain or other symptoms.

A pseudocyst may come back if you have ongoing pancreatitis.

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.

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

• Write down your symptoms, including when they started and whether they've changed or worsened over time.
• Write down key personal information, including a history of injury to your abdomen.
• Make a list of all medications, vitamins and supplements you take.
• Write down questions to ask your doctor.

Some basic questions include:

• What is the most likely cause of my condition?
• What tests do I need?
• What type of cyst do I have?
• Is it likely to become cancerous?
• If I need surgery, what will my recovery be like?
• What follow-up care will I need?
• I have other conditions. How can I manage them together?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions, as well.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you questions about your symptoms, such as:

• When did your symptoms begin?
• Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
• How severe are your symptoms?
• Where do you feel your symptoms the most?
• What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
• What, if anything, seems to worsen your symptoms?
• Have you had pancreatitis?
• How many alcoholic drinks do you consume daily?
• Do you have gallstones?