Dr. Rishi Chadha, MD is a board‑certified gastroenterologist who specializes in preventive gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening, and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. He completed his fellowship at Sunrise Health GME in Las Vegas and previously trained in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut.
A pancreatic cyst is a sac of fluid that either occurs within or above the surface of the pancreas. Most of them are harmless, but some may lead to pain or complications and in this situation, they should be observed or treated.
He examines your symptoms, previous pancreatitis or pancreatic trauma, history of your family, alcohol use, and other risk factors.
Checks the pancreatic enzymes (amylase, lipase), liver performance, eliminates the presence of infection or inflammation in the blood.
EUS-guided needle aspiration collects cyst fluid in order to test tumor markers, mucin levels and cytology to differentiate between benign and malignant cysts.
Dr. Rishi Chadha, MD is a board‑certified gastroenterologist who specializes in preventive gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening, and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. He completed his fellowship at Sunrise Health GME in Las Vegas and previously trained in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut.
A pancreatic cyst has the ICD-10 selected code K86.3, which includes true and pseudocysts of the pancreas.
Pseudocysts are products of previous pancreatitis and do not contain an epithelial lining, whereas true cysts have a defined epithelial lining. The difference between them is identified using advanced imaging such as MRI or endoscopic ultrasound (EUS).
Watch for upper abdominal pain or pressure, feeling full after small meals, nausea, vomiting, unexplained weight loss, and in rare cases, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
Diagnosis involves abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, or EUS to evaluate the cyst. Lab tests or cyst fluid analysis may also be used to check enzyme levels and rule out infection or malignancy.
Most pancreatic cysts are benign. However, some types, especially mucinous cysts, carry a higher risk of becoming cancerous and may require regular monitoring or surgical removal.
Yes. Many patients can manage their condition through diet and lifestyle changes, medications, and minimally invasive endoscopic treatments such as cyst drainage or needle aspiration.
Most patients recover within 2 to 3 days after an endoscopic procedure.
Start with low-fat foods and gradually reintroduce your regular diet as tolerated.
Yes. Most insurance plans cover imaging, diagnostic tests, and procedures. Our office can help with pre-authorization and billing inquiries.
If you experience abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or develop a known cyst, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Chadha for further assessment.
