Lee Surgery and Endoscopy was founded by Dr. Lee Chin Li, with the mission to deliver accessible and quality healthcare to our patients. We are committed to ensuring your comfort from consultation to procedures.
What is a pancreatic cyst?
A pancreatic cyst is a fluid-filled sac (tumour) that develops within the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach and vital for digestion and blood sugar regulation. While some pancreatic cysts are benign and cause no symptoms, others can be precancerous or cancerous, posing significant health risks.
Pancreatic cysts can vary in size, ranging from small to large, and are made of different cellular materials. They can occur in different parts of the pancreas, including the head, body, or tail. There are two main types of pancreatic cysts:
Congenital: some pancreatic cysts may be present at birth or develop early in life due to abnormalities in the formation of pancreatic ducts or tissues. These congenital cysts are often small and asymptomatic.
What are the symptoms of pancreatic cysts?
Most pancreatic cysts do not cause symptoms. However, there are symptoms of pancreatic cysts that you should keep an eye on, especially if you are 70 years old and older, have a family history of pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, or a hereditary syndrome that is associated with cysts:
Abdominal bloating or pain
Fever
Indigestion
Jaundice
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Vomiting
Unexplained weight loss
Who is at risk of pancreatic cysts in Singapore?
Pancreatic cysts can develop in anyone, but certain risk factors increase the likelihood of their development. Risk factors for developing pancreatic cysts include:
Genetic syndromes: inherited conditions such as von Hippel-Lindau syndrome or polycystic kidney disease are associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cysts.
How serious is a cyst on the pancreas?
Even though complications are rare, it is still possible for them to arise. These include:
Pancreatic cancer: about 1% of all pancreatic cysts can turn into pancreatic cancer, with adenocarcinoma being the most common type of pancreatic cancer. As pancreatic cancer has the potential to spread to other organs, early detection is crucial.
Bile duct obstruction: if a large cyst compresses a bile duct, bile cannot flow smoothly, compromising the biliary system. This is seen in cysts with malignant change, and patients may present with jaundice.
Gastrointestinal obstruction: if a large cyst compresses your intestine or stomach, it will trigger many gastrointestinal symptoms. In some cases, food cannot pass through your gastrointestinal (GI) tract, although such an occurrence is rare.
Pancreatic duct obstruction: the flow of digestive enzymes from the pancreas to the small intestine may be blocked or impaired due to pancreatic duct swelling or clogging. The patient may develop severe abdominal pain from pancreatitis.
How are pancreatic cysts diagnosed in Singapore?
In Singapore, pancreatic cysts can be diagnosed via several methods, including:
Imaging tests: imaging tests such as ultrasounds, computed tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can capture the presence of some pancreatic cysts.
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): an EUS procedure combines ultrasound and endoscopy to capture detailed images of the pancreas from within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Biopsy and fine-needle aspiration (FNA): an FNA procedure in which a thin needle collects pancreatic cells to be examined under a microscope. If FNA is unsuitable, a biopsy may be conducted. These can be performed in conjunction with EUS.
Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP): an MRCPis a non-contrasted MRI ideal for monitoring asymptomatic pancreatic cysts.
What are the treatment options for pancreatic cysts in Singapore?
Small and asymptomatic pancreatic cysts are regularly monitored via imaging tests to track changes. However, if the cyst grows and starts to cause symptoms, treatment will be necessary. Treatment options for pancreatic cysts include:
Enucleation: the cyst is carved out and removed without affecting the surrounding tissue. This can be performed for neuroendocrine tumours.
Partial pancreatectomy: the cyst and the affected section of the pancreas are removed.
Total pancreatectomy: the cyst and the whole of the pancreas are removed. This may be recommended if not much functioning pancreatic tissue is seen on the scan.
Whipple procedure: the head of the pancreas and the pancreatic ducts are removed, along with the duodenum, common bile duct, and gallbladder.
Frequently asked questions
Are pancreatic cysts painful?
Pancreatic cysts may or may not cause pain, depending on various factors such as their size, location, and underlying cause. If the pancreatic cyst is large and pressing on surrounding tissue, it may cause symptoms such as abdominal pain or bloating.
How fast do pancreatic cysts grow?
The growth rate of pancreatic cysts can vary significantly among individuals and depends on various factors, including the type of cyst, underlying cause, and individual characteristics. While some pancreatic cysts may remain stable in size over time, others can grow slowly or rapidly.
At what size does a pancreatic cyst become concerning?
Cysts that are larger than 3 cm or appear to be growing faster than normal will need to be removed or tested for cancer.
What happens if a pancreatic cyst bursts?
A ruptured cyst can cause severe symptoms, like severe lower abdominal pain or bleeding. It can even lead to pancreatitis (infection of the pancreas). In such incidences, intervention is needed.
Any other questions?
Talk to us! Drop us a message here :
Gleneagles Medical Centre Lee Surgery and Endoscopy 6 Napier Road, #04-16, Singapore 258499
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre (Orchard) Dr Lee @ KYM Surgery3 Mount Elizabeth, #12-01, Singapore 228510
Farrer Park Medical Centre Dr Lee @ KYM Surgery1 Farrer Park Station Road, #13-05, Singapore 217562