A pancreatic pseudocyst is a pocket of fluid that forms near or inside your pancreas, usually after inflammation or injury. Unlike a true cyst, it isn't lined by cells but by scar tissue.
You may not notice a pseudocyst at first. When symptoms appear, they can include:
Pancreatic pseudocysts often develop after damage to the pancreas. Common causes include:
Don't wait to get relief. Reach out to GastroDoxs in Jersey Village to schedule your pancreatic pseudocyst consultation. Call us at 832-632-4070 or book online now. Our friendly team is standing by to answer your questions and customize a treatment plan just for you.
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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.
A true cyst has an epithelial (cell) lining, whereas a pseudocyst is a collection of pancreatic fluid surrounded only by fibrous or scar tissue without a true lining.
Diagnosis relies on imaging studies-typically ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI-to visualize fluid collections near the pancreas, measure their size, and check for complications.
Pancreatic pseudocysts themselves are benign and do not become cancerous. However, persistent or unusual fluid collections may be monitored closely or sampled to rule out neoplastic lesions.
Treatment depends on size, symptoms, and complications. Small, asymptomatic pseudocysts often resolve on their own. Symptomatic or large cysts may require endoscopic or percutaneous drainage, and surgery if less invasive methods aren't effective.
Healing time varies: small pseudocysts can disappear in a few weeks, while larger or complicated ones may take months and sometimes need drainage procedures to speed recovery.
Yes. Chronic pancreatitis causes ongoing inflammation and ductal obstruction, increasing the likelihood of larger, recurrent, or complicated pseudocysts that may require intervention.
Absolutely. Limiting alcohol, following a low-fat diet, staying hydrated, and addressing gallstones can reduce pancreatic inflammation and lower the risk of pseudocyst formation.
Drainage carries small risks such as infection, bleeding, injury to nearby organs, or pancreatic fluid leakage. Advanced imaging guidance and specialized techniques help minimize these complications.
Surgery is reserved for large, infected, or persistent pseudocysts when endoscopic or percutaneous drainage isn't feasible or has failed to resolve the fluid collection.
To consult a specialist at GastroDoxs in Jersey Village, simply call our office or schedule an appointment online. Our team will guide you through evaluation, imaging, and personalized treatment planning.
