Diseases & Conditions
Should I be worried about a pancreatic cyst?
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I had a recent CT scan of my abdomen and was told I have a small pancreatic cyst. Should I be concerned?There are several different types of pancreatic cysts. A pseudocyst is not a true cyst and is caused by inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). It is never cancerous, but it can become enlarged and cause pain. The most common actual cysts — serous cysts and mucinous cysts — are defined by the fluid inside them. Serous cysts have clear thin fluid while mucinous cysts have thicker fluid. Most serous cysts are benign and don't require treatment or close follow-up. However, mucinous cysts are considered potentially precancerous and need further evaluation.
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