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Pancreatic pseudocysts are cyst-like lumps that grow on the organs of the pancreas. These lumps are generally harmless, unless they burst. A burst lump can cause severe symptoms and dangerous complications, so it needs to be treated as soon as possible.

The pancreas is a gland in the digestive system that functions to produce digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon. There are times when the function of the pancreas is impaired and causes a fluid-filled lump to appear. This lump is known as a pancreatic pseudocyst.

Pseudocyst comes from the word "pseudo" which means resembling and cyst which means sac. Although they are similar in shape and both contain fluid, pseudocysts and pancreatic cysts are formed from different tissues. Pseudocysts are benign, whereas pancreatic cysts tend to be cancerous.

Some Causes of Pancreatic Pseudocyst

Pancreatic pseudocysts occur when the ducts that carry digestive enzymes from the pancreas to the 12 finger intestine (duodenum) are blocked. As a result, these digestive enzymes leak and cause fluid-filled sacs to form in the pancreas.

The fluid contained in these sacs generally consists of pancreatic enzymes, blood, and dead tissue.

Pancreatic pseudocysts are most often caused by inflammation of the pancreas or pancreatitis, both acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis. This condition has a high risk of occurring in people who have gallstones or have a habit of consuming alcoholic beverages.

In addition, there are several other causes of pancreatic pseudocysts, including:

• Injury to the stomach that causes injury to the pancreas
• Infection of the pancreas
• Pancreatic tumors
• Genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis
• High levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the body
• High levels of calcium in the blood, for example due to hyperparathyroidism
• Autoimmune disease
• Side effects of drugs

Signs and Symptoms of Pancreatic Pseudocyst

Small pancreatic pseudocysts often cause no symptoms. However, a large lump can sometimes cause the following symptoms:

• Abdominal pain radiating to the back
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach bloating or feeling sick, especially after eating
• No appetite
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• A lump in the stomach
• The stomach is swollen
• Weight loss

If you experience symptoms that could be suspected of being a pancreatic pseudocyst or have had a condition that is at risk of causing a pancreatic pseudocyst, you should consult your doctor.

Sometimes, pseudocysts that appear can burst and cause serious symptoms, such as:

• Vomiting blood
• Severe stomachache
• Heart palpitations
• Consciousness decreases
• Passed out

When you experience these symptoms, immediately go to the nearest hospital emergency room for medical help. If not treated promptly, a ruptured pancreatic pseudocyst can cause heavy bleeding and stomach infections which can be fatal.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Pancreatic Pseudocyst

To detect whether you have pancreatic pseudocysts it is necessary to undergo a medical examination by a doctor. The examination includes physical examination and supporting examinations in the form of:

• Radiological examinations, such as ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan of the abdomen
• Blood test
• ERCP ( endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography )

Small pancreatic pseudocysts generally go away on their own without treatment. However, sufferers still need to undergo periodic checks to monitor progress and ensure that the pseudocyst is gone.

If the pancreatic pseudocyst that appears in the patient's body is large enough, is at risk of rupture, or causes disturbing symptoms, the doctor will take the following steps:

Drug administration

The doctor can prescribe drugs to treat pancreatic pseudocysts according to the symptoms and causes. For example, to treat pseudocysts due to pancreatitis, the doctor will prescribe drugs to treat the condition.

The doctor can also prescribe painkillers and nausea or anti-vomiting medication to treat other symptoms that may arise.

Fasting and infusion therapy

When the pancreas is still inflamed, the doctor may advise the patient to fast for a few days until the condition and function of the pancreas improves. To meet the patient's body fluid needs, the doctor will provide infusion therapy.

In certain cases, the doctor will install a nasogastric tube to distribute food and drink to the patient. This therapy is given until the condition of the pancreas improves.

Medical action

The doctor may recommend medical procedures to drain the fluid (drainage) in the pancreatic pseudocyst, if the pseudocyst is large. This drainage procedure can be done via endoscopy, ERCP, or laparoscopy.

However, in certain cases, the doctor can perform surgery to treat a pancreatic pseudocyst. After undergoing pancreatic pseudocyst surgery, the patient needs to be treated for several days in the hospital until his condition recovers.

Given the large number of cases of pancreatic pseudocysts caused by pancreatitis, preventive steps that can be taken are to live a healthy lifestyle, such as not smoking, not consuming alcoholic beverages, exercising regularly, and reducing your intake of fatty foods and eating more fruits and vegetables.

Although some cases of pancreatic pseudocysts can heal on their own and are harmless, they still need to be checked by a doctor. This is because pancreatic pseudocysts that are not treated immediately are at risk of causing a number of dangerous complications, such as infection, sepsis, shock, and death.

Therefore, you are advised to immediately see a doctor or emergency room at the nearest hospital if you experience symptoms of pancreatic pseudocysts, such as abdominal pain, fever, or vomiting blood.

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