Pancreatic masses or cysts

Pancreatic masses or cysts are small lumps or fluid-filled sacs that can form in the pancreas. The pancreas is a small organ behind your stomach. It helps with digestion and controls blood sugar.

There are different types of pancreatic masses and cysts. Most of them are not harmful and do not cause any symptoms. In rare cases, they can turn into cancer — this only happens in less than 1 per cent of cases.

Most pancreatic cysts do not have a known cause. Some are linked to rare hereditary conditions. These include polycystic kidney disease and von Hippel-Lindau disease.

Doctors usually find pancreatic masses and cysts during imaging tests done for other medical reasons.

To diagnose this condition, we first ask about your medical history and do a physical exam. We may suggest one or more tests to decide on the best treatment.

These tests include:

• Computed tomography (CT) scan. This test takes detailed pictures of the mass or cyst to show its size, shape and location.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. This test uses strong magnets and radio waves to make detailed images of the mass or cyst. It helps us see its structure and find features that might suggest a higher risk of cancer.
• Endoscopic ultrasound. This test uses a thin, flexible tube with an ultrasound probe, called an endoscope. We insert it through your mouth into your stomach. The test uses sound waves to create clear images. We can also use a separate needle to collect samples for lab tests to check for cancer cells.
• Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). This is a special MRI test. It uses a contrast dye to take images of your pancreas, liver, gallbladder and bile ducts. This helps us see the cyst and any changes in nearby organs.

Depending on the type of mass or cyst and your symptoms, we may either keep an eye on it or suggest treatment.

Here are the common approaches for managing pancreatic masses or cysts:

• Surveillance. If it is not causing problems, we may recommend monitoring it with routine scans. We will keep track of it over time to check for any changes or symptoms that might suggest cancer.
• Drainage. If the mass or cyst causes symptoms or grows larger, we may need to drain it. We do this using a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope. We insert the endoscope through your mouth and into your stomach and small intestine. We can also use a separate needle to remove fluid.
• Surgery. Sometimes, we may need to remove the mass or cysts and part of the pancreas through surgery. This is usually done if there is a high risk that the mass or cyst is cancerous. The type of surgery you need will depend on where the mass or cyst is located.

Clinics that treat GI tract strictures

The Indigenous Wellness Liaison Team is here to support your health journey. Team members offer cultural support and healthcare advocacy. Learn more below or call them at 604-682-2344,62937 or email IWL@providencehealth.bc.ca.

Advances in treatments for bile duct strictures are all thanks to medical research. While participating in research is a decision you should make in consultation with your care team, there is much activity in this field. Please ask us about our research programs if you’re interested.

By taking part in research, you can help us all learn more about heart disease. You can also help us find better ways to help people like you live and thrive. Even if you don't benefit directly, your participation can help care for future patients.

The following clinical trials are currently enrolling volunteers. Please ask your care team for more information. You can also contact the research team listed on each study or trial. For other information about research at Providence Health Care, please visit Providence Research.