Pancreatic cysts Flashcards
What is a pancreatic cyst
Pancreatic cysts are saclike pockets of fluid on or in your pancreas.
What are the two categories of pancreatic cysts
Cysts
Pseudocysts
What is more common: pseudocysts or cysts
Pseudocysts (75-80%)
What has more of a malignant potential: pseudocysts or cysts
Cysts
What is a distinctive feature of pseudocysts
Devoid of an epithelial lining
What is a distinctive feature of cysts
Have an epithelial lining
Where and when do pseudocysts usually develop
In the pancreas after pancreatitis
How do you manage a pseudocysts
Draining
How do you manage a cyst
They need to be removed by surgery at an early stage to prevent carcinoma development
What investigations are used to detect a cyst
CT
MRI
Endoscopic
What is the accuracy of a CT in locating a cyst
40-81%
What is the accuracy of using a MRI to locate a pancreatic cyst
40-95%
Why is endoscopy useful diagnostically
Can take a biopsy
What can be found in the cyst fluid obtained from a biopsy of a pancreatic cyst that can help in its diagnosis
DNA Markers
RNA markers
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)
What are the presenting symptoms of a small cyst
Usually asymptomatic
