Symptoms of Pancreatic Cysts
Pancreatic cysts are pockets of fluid that form on or inside the pancreas, which is a large organ behind the stomach. Pancreatic cysts usually do not cause many symptoms. However, in rare cases, they can lead to certain symptoms such as:
- Persistent abdominal pain: Long-lasting pain in the stomach area, often in the upper abdomen, which is the area just below your ribs. This pain may be severe and can sometimes spread to the back. It may get worse after eating a meal.
- Feeling of a mass in the upper abdomen: This can feel like a lump or fullness, which might be due to the size of the cyst
- Vomiting or nausea
Remember that if you experience any signs or symptoms that could be an issue with your pancreas, it is important to see a doctor for further evaluation.
Pancreatic cysts can vary in severity, and more severe or progressed cysts may cause additional symptoms such as:
- Fever: If you have a fever along with long-lasting abdominal pain, it may be a sign of a pancreatic cyst infection. In this case, it is important to contact your doctor right away.
- Fainting (passing out or blacking out)
- Rapid or weak heartbeat (heart beating very fast or feels weak)
- Vomiting blood (which may look bright red or dark like coffee grounds)
- Signs of shock—like pale, cool skin, confusion, or dizziness.
Often, doctors find pancreatic cysts by accident during scans done for other reasons, because these cysts usually don’t cause many symptoms. However, in some cases, pancreatic cysts can cause symptoms or lead to problems that require medical attention. Here are some warning signs that indicate when you should contact a doctor or seek medical help for pancreatic cysts:
- Severe abdominal pain: If you have intense, squeezing, or sharp pain in the upper abdomen, it is important to get medical help right away. This could be a sign of gallstone pancreatitis (when a gallstone blocks the pancreas and causes inflammation), which can be a problem caused by pancreatic cysts.
- Lasting abdominal pain: Although pancreatic cysts usually do not cause symptoms, in rare cases, they can lead to lasting abdominal pain. If you have abdominal pain that doesn’t get better or gets worse over time, it is important to contact your doctor.
- Feeling of a mass in the upper abdomen: Another rare symptom of pancreatic cysts is feeling a mass or lump in the upper abdomen. If you notice this symptom along with other signs such as lasting abdominal pain, it is important to talk with your doctor.
- Vomiting or nausea: In some cases, pancreatic cysts can cause vomiting or nausea. If you experience these symptoms along with any of the other warning signs above, it is important to seek medical help right away.
- Fever and signs of infection: In rare cases, pancreatic cysts can become infected, leading to fever and other signs of infection such as abdominal pain and vomiting. If you have a fever along with lasting abdominal pain or any other concerning symptoms, it is important to contact your doctor right away.
- Signs of shock or internal bleeding: In rare cases, a cyst or pseudocyst can burst, causing heavy bleeding inside the body and a serious infection inside the abdomen (peritonitis). If you experience these symptoms, get emergency help right away. These symptoms could indicate internal bleeding.
Remember, these warning signs are not common, and most pancreatic cysts do not cause any symptoms. However, if you have any symptoms listed above or have any risk factors for pancreatic cancer such as a family history of the disease or long-lasting abdominal pain, it is important to talk your doctor for further testing and treatment.