Pancreatic cysts affect about 20% of Americans aged 60 and over. If you have a large or painful cyst, you can find treatment solutions at GI Associates of Maryland. The board-certified medical team offers diagnostic imaging technologies in-office to confirm a pancreatic cyst. They also provide customized care plans to drain fluid from the cysts so you can find lasting relief for your symptoms. Call the Waldorf, Maryland, office to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for pancreatic cyst symptoms or book a consultation online today.
Your pancreas is a gland that sits behind the stomach and supports your digestive processes. The gland also produces insulin to metabolize sugars from your diet into the energy your body needs to function.
Pancreatic cysts describe fluid-filled sacs that form in the pancreas. These cysts are typically not cancerous but can grow large enough to cause symptoms. The underlying cause of pancreatic cysts is a genetic mutation, but what causes it isn’t clear.
GI Associates of Maryland offers diagnostic testing in-office to identify pancreatic cysts. The medical team also provides treatment services if cysts become painful, infected, or ruptured.
You can have a pancreatic cyst without knowing it because they don’t always cause symptoms. If the cyst grows large, you may experience abdominal pain or develop a mass in your upper abdomen.
The GI Associates of Maryland medical team uses advanced imaging technologies in-office to identify the location and size of pancreatic cysts. They can also complete an endoscopic ultrasound in the endoscopy suite next door.
When a pancreatic cyst bursts, you may have severe complications like:
A ruptured cyst is an emergency that requires immediate medical attention at the nearest hospital or call 911.
Some pancreatic cysts don’t require immediate medical treatment. The GI Associates of Maryland providers may take a wait-and-see approach to determine if the cyst grows.
If you have abdominal pain or other symptoms, the team may recommend a procedure to drain fluids from the cyst. They can drain it endoscopically through a flexible tube or a percutaneous catheter. The providers also have experience performing laparoscopic and open surgery to drain cysts.
Following treatment, you may need to make diet and lifestyle changes to prevent new cysts from forming. For instance, heavy alcohol use can contribute to inflammation in the pancreas (pancreatitis), so you should limit or avoid drinking to protect the gland’s function.
You should also follow a healthy diet incorporating fresh vegetables and fruits, lean proteins, and low-carb foods into your daily meal plans.
Call GI Associates of Maryland to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for symptoms of a pancreatic cyst or book an appointment online today.