Wednesday 11 November 2020

Things You Should Know About Pancreatic Pseudocyst

The pancreas is an oblong-shaped organ situated on the backside of the abdomen. It sits behind the stomach and is about 6 to 8 inches long. Pancreas extends horizontally along the backside of the abdomen with its head on the right and tail on the left side of the abdomen. It performs the below-mentioned functions:

  • Exocrine function



The exocrine function of the pancreas involves breaking down of food in the small intestine. The food in the small intestine breaks down when the pancreas releases digestive juices and enzymes into it through a duct connecting the upper part of the small intestine to the head of the pancreas. 
  • Endocrine Function



The process of regulating the blood sugar levels by releasing insulin and glucagon is called the exocrine function of the pancreas.

Let us understand about pancreatic pseudocyst. 

Pancreatic pseudocyst


When pancreatic ducts carrying digestive juices and enzymes to the small intestine get blocked, the enzymes and juices start leaking. These fluids began to accumulate in a sac on the pancreas and this sac is called pancreatic pseudocyst. Pancreatic pseudocysts are completely different from true pancreatic cysts, even though both of them are filled with fluids. Pancreatic cysts are a closed structure surrounded by the cells that separate them from the nearby tissues. Pancreatic pseudocysts, on the other hand, are not closed and are not lined by the cells that separate them from the nearby tissues.   

Symptoms of the pancreatic pseudocyst

  • Abdominal pain radiating to the back
  • Bloating
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Indigestion
  • Blood in vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Fall in the appetite
  • Drastic weight loss
  • Jaundice
  • Fever
  • Fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity
  • Decreased alertness and awareness
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Fainting

Causes of pancreatic pseudocyst

  • Pancreatitis
  • Injury or trauma to the pancreas
  • High cholesterol
  • Damage to the pancreas caused by medicines
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Tumour in the pancreas
  • Hereditary condition

People experiencing the above-mentioned symptom should see the best pancreas specialist in Delhi or anywhere else as soon as possible. Pancreatic specialist, after performing a thorough physical examination, prescribes tests like endoscopic ultrasound and blood tests to diagnose the pancreatic pseudocyst.