1.9K Reviews    |    4.7 Star Rating    |    20+ years of experience    |    72k+ Patients Treated

Cyst of Pancreas

Pancreatic cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can be harmless or carry cancer risk. Early diagnosis and tailored care are essential. Dr. Bharat Pothuri at GastroDoxs in Houston provides expert evaluation, advanced imaging, and personalized treatment to manage pancreatic cysts effectively.

Call Us 832-632-4070 Schedule Now Click Here Text Us 832-632-4070 Learn More Click Here
Texas Medical Board
Harris County Medical Society
American College of Gastroenterology
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Memorial hermann
Houston Methodist leading Medicine
HCA Houston Healthcare
Bharat Pothuri

About the Expert

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a board-certified gastroenterologist and the founder of GastroDoxs. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

  • History of pancreatitis or repeated pancreatic inflammation
  • Gallbladder disease or bile duct blockage
  • Long-term heavy alcohol use
  • Age over 50 years
  • Family history of pancreatic disorders

Signs and Symptoms

  • Often none-most cysts are found incidentally
  • Pain or pressure in the upper abdomen
  • Feeling full quickly when eating
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) if the bile duct is blocked

Expert Treatment for Cyst of Pancreas by Dr. Bharat Pothuri

Dr. Pothuri uses a step-by-step approach:

Medical History and Physical Exam

He asks about your epigastric pain-its onset, intensity, and triggers-along with any nausea, early satiety, weight changes, alcohol use, prior pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, or family history of pancreatic disorders.

Blood Tests

He orders pancreatic enzymes (amylase, lipase), liver function tests, and, when indicated, tumor markers such as CEA and CA 19-9 to help distinguish benign cysts from those at higher risk.

Imaging Studies

  • Abdominal Ultrasound: A first look to detect cysts, estimate size, and assess nearby organs.
  • CT Scan or MRI/MRCP: Detailed cross-sectional imaging to evaluate cyst morphology, wall thickness, septations, and any ductal communication.
  • Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS): High-resolution images of the pancreas; ideal for small or indeterminate cysts.

Advanced Testing (if needed)

During EUS, he may perform fine-needle aspiration (FNA) to collect cyst fluid for cytology, biochemical analysis, and tumor marker testing-providing definitive information about cyst type and malignancy risk.

Bharat Pothuri
Treatment

Our Team offers a full range of care for pancreatic cysts.

1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications

  • Eating a low-fat, balanced diet
  • Having smaller, more frequent meals to ease digestion
  • Drinking plenty of water to support pancreatic health
  • Avoiding alcohol and tobacco to reduce inflammation risk

2. Medications

  • Over-the-counter or prescription pain relief as needed
  • Pancreatic enzyme supplements if digestion is impaired
  • Acid-reducing medications to control discomfort

3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures

  • Endoscopic ultrasound-guided cyst drainage for symptomatic relief
  • Laparoscopic or robotic surgery to remove cysts or affected pancreatic tissue
  • Referral for surgical evaluation when cysts appear suspicious or high-risk
1.8K

Patients Treated

Dr. Pothuri has treated more than 1.8K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.

20Y

Years of Experience

With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients

Bharat Pothuri

About the Author

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are pancreatic cysts dangerous?

Many cysts are not harmful. Some can turn into cancer over time, so regular imaging and follow-up help manage any risk.

What symptoms should I watch for?

Belly pain or pressure, feeling full quickly, unexplained weight loss, nausea or vomiting, and yellowing of the skin or eyes are warning signs to report.

How can you tell if it's a cyst or a tumor?

CT and MRI scans show size, location, and characteristics. Endoscopic ultrasound with fluid sampling provides cellular analysis to distinguish cysts from tumors.

What treatment options are available?

Some cysts need only periodic imaging. Others may require endoscopic drainage or surgical removal-laparoscopic or robotic-based on size, symptoms, and cancer risk.

Can lifestyle changes help?

Yes. A low-fat diet, smaller frequent meals, staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, and taking prescribed enzyme supplements can protect the pancreas.

When should I see a specialist?

If you have concerning symptoms or imaging shows a pancreatic cyst, consult a gastroenterologist like Dr. Bharat Pothuri for personalized evaluation and care.

Is endoscopic drainage safe?

Yes. Performed by an experienced endoscopist, it is minimally invasive, has a quick recovery, and effectively relieves pain or pressure from larger cysts.

Related Blogs
Abdominal Pain

All-Natural Ways to Reduce GERD

Read More
Abdominal Pain

5 Ways (and Reasons) to Eat More Fiber

Read More
Abdominal Pain

When Abdominal Pain Is Cause for Concern

Read More