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A pancreatic pseudocyst occurs because of pancreatitis, characterised by the accumulation of spilt pancreatic enzymes in the abdomen, resulting in a fibrous tissue sac devoid of genuine cyst epithelium. It doesn't pose a cancer danger like real cysts do, and it usually happens 4 to 6 weeks after an acute inflammation. Most of them happen in the tail of the pancreas, which is 2–30 cm long and full of amylase-rich fluid.

Causes and Things That Make It More Likely

Acute or chronic pancreatitis, most often from excessive alcohol consumption or gallstones obstructing ducts, causes 70–85% of cases. Trauma, particularly in youngsters, or ductal abnormalities caused by stones or protein plugs, also play a role. Chronic instances are associated with persistent inflammation in the absence of preceding acute events.

Signs and Problems

Small pseudocysts may not cause any symptoms, but larger ones can look like pancreatitis, causing long-lasting stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or feeling full quickly. Infections, ruptures, bleeding, or organ compression might happen, which can cause fever, jaundice, or intestinal blockage.

Diagnosis and Treatment

CT or ultrasound imaging shows that there are spherical, well-defined fluid collections near the pancreas. Many go away on their own in 4 to 6 weeks; treatment (endoscopic draining or surgery) is only needed for those who are symptomatic or becoming larger than 6 cm.