Re : Cyst on the pancreas

[Guest guest]

Hello ,

I'm sorry you're dealing with this worry. I haven't personally dealt

with this particular problem but I know others have and hopefully

some of them will post soon.

There are a few questions which come to mind.

Was the word used " cyst " or " pseudocyst " ? Pseudocysts are quite

common and can be very large. They do cause pain. Usually they go

away on their own but sometimes need treatment (draining or surgery)

and, very occasionally, are left in place anyway at the professional

discretion of the specialists.

It may not be a pseudocyst, of course, but you need to ask the docs!

If you have worries about the nature of this cyst, you MUST bring

them up with your specialist. He or she will be able to reassure you

and give you more definite and explicit information. There are

certainly ways that docs can test lesions in the pancreas, eg. by

fine needle aspiration during an ERCP or EUS. If the docs are

concerned they might ask for these tests. (They might order an ERCP

or EUS anyway, of course, because they may wish to use a variety of

imaging techniques to look at the pancreas. Each method has its

advantages.)

The pain alone is not a sign that there is cancer. CP and

pseudocysts can be very painful. You have the right to discuss this

with your specialist at the earliest opportunity.

It is wise to consult a pancreatologist, if poss, or a very

experienced gastroenterologist.

Try not to worry! Wait till you see the doc. I'm sure others will

answer

With very good wishes,

Fliss (UK)