A cyst of the pancreas is a fluid-filled sac that forms in or on the pancreas. Some cysts remain harmless, while others can grow or cause discomfort and may require treatment. Common types include mucinous cysts (which carry a risk of cancer), congenital cysts (present at birth), and pseudocysts (often resulting from inflammation or injury).
Many pancreatic cysts cause no symptoms, but if they do, you may experience:
Pancreatic cysts can develop for various reasons, including:
Don't wait to get the answers and care you need for your pancreatic cyst. At GastroDoxs in Katy, our specialists combine cutting-edge diagnostics with compassionate, personalized treatment plans. Whether it's watchful waiting, endoscopic drainage, or surgery, we'll guide you every step of the way. Contact us now to book your visit and take control of your digestive health.
We've successfully treated more than 1.8K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
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.
Many people have no symptoms. When they occur, you may notice upper abdominal pain that can radiate to your back, feeling full quickly after small meals, nausea or vomiting, unexplained weight loss, or a palpable lump in the upper belly.
A mucinous cyst is a fluid-filled sac lined with mucus-producing cells. These cysts carry a risk of becoming cancerous over time, so they often require closer monitoring or surgical removal.
Pancreatic cysts can arise from various triggers, including acute or chronic pancreatitis (inflammation), blocked pancreatic ducts, congenital defects present at birth, abdominal injuries, or infections and parasites.
Most pancreatic cysts are benign and remain stable without causing problems. However, cysts with high-risk features-such as mucinous cysts-may need surgery to prevent cancer or to relieve persistent symptoms.
Diagnosis typically involves imaging tests such as abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, or endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). Fluid sampling (FNA) during EUS may be done to analyze the cyst's content and rule out malignancy.
Yes. Although congenital cysts are present from birth and often harmless, they can grow large enough to block pancreatic ducts, cause pain, or lead to recurrent pancreatitis.
See a gastroenterologist if you experience unexplained upper abdominal pain, have a history of pancreatitis, or if imaging (CT, MRI, ultrasound) reveals any pancreatic cysts-even if you feel fine.
No. Many cysts are small and asymptomatic, so we monitor them with regular imaging. Surgery is reserved for cysts that are large, growing, symptomatic, or have features suggesting cancer risk.
Follow-up imaging is typically scheduled every 6 to 12 months, depending on the cyst's type, size, and risk factors. Your gastroenterologist will tailor the interval to your individual case.
At GastroDoxs, our Katy-based specialists offer state-of-the-art imaging, personalized treatment plans, and a compassionate care team dedicated to guiding you through diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment every step of the way.
