Pancreatic cysts can take on many different forms based on where and how they develop. Some are common, others are rare, and many of them have the potential to be cancerous. Today, we take a look at the different types of cysts that can develop in your pancreas.
Types of Pancreatic Cysts
Your pancreas performs two critical functions: it produces enzymes that are crucial for digestion and it secretes hormones that help control your metabolism. Because of all the duties it must perform, cyst development inside the pancreas is not all that rare. Here’s a look at some of the types of cysts that can develop in your pancreas.
Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm Cysts (IPMN)
This is the most common type of pancreatic cyst. These cysts connect with the pancreatic duct, which means their fluid typically has a large amount of digestive enzymes in it. Occurring rather evenly across both sexes, these cysts are more common in people over the age of 50. A number of factors play a role in how dangerous these cysts are. If they are small, stable in size and without other worrisome features, they are considered low risk for developing into cancer. However, worrisome features include:
- Being larger than 3 cm thick.
- Having a thick cyst wall.
- A cyst that “lights up” with contrast when viewed on a CT scan.
- The size of the main duct of the pancreas measuring between 5 and 9 mm.
- A nodule on the cyst wall that does not light up when viewed on a CT scan.
- Rapid change in the diameter of the pancreas’ main duct.
The above factors may indicate that surgery is needed on your pancreas.
Mucinous Cystic Neoplasm
Similar to IPMN cysts but more rare, these cysts have a unique appearance when viewed by a pathologist. They are also usually found in the body and the end of the pancreas. Interestingly, these types of cysts are almost exclusively found in women. Your doctor may monitor these cysts to look for troubling features, as these types of cysts have the ability to become cancerous.
Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasm
These fluid filled sacs are a little different in their makeup as they have both solid and cystic components. These rare developments also have the ability to become cancerous, and are oftentimes found in the pancreases of younger women. These typically develop in the body of the pancreas.
Serous Cystadenoma
These types of cysts are the most non-threatening type of pancreatic cysts. That’s because these cysts do not contain mucin, which plays a primary role in cancer formation. These are more commonly found in the tail end of the pancreas, and women over the age of 50 are at the biggest risk.
Because cysts can inhibit the normal function of the pancreas, they will need to be closely monitored by a pancreatic surgeon. Should your doctor determine that the cyst has the potential to be cancerous or is causing a threat to your health, surgery to remove the cyst may be necessary. For more information on pancreatic cysts, contact a specialist today.
