Diseases and Conditions

Pancreatic cysts

Overview

Pancreatic cysts are saclike pockets of fluid on or in your pancreas. The pancreas is a large organ behind the stomach that produces hormones and enzymes that help digest food. Pancreatic cysts are typically found during imaging testing for another problem.

The main categories of pancreatic cysts can be divided into two groups, nonneoplastic or neoplastic cysts. Each group includes many different subtypes of cysts, such as pseudocysts, serous cystadenomas and mucinous cystic neoplasms. Most aren't cancerous, and many don't cause symptoms. But some pancreatic cysts can be or can become cancerous.

Your doctor might take a sample of the pancreatic cyst fluid to determine if cancer cells are present. Or your doctor might recommend monitoring a cyst over time for changes that indicate cancer.