Pancreatic cyst

Posted by Bonita @bonitav, May 20, 2016

Pancreatic cyst detected via ultrasound and further analyzed via specialized endoscopy. Presently not malignant, but am wondering how long it could take in order for it to become malignant. Anyone dealt with pancreatic issues, pre-malignancy, etc? My Gi ordered multiple labs and has scheduled colonoscopy because of other symptoms.

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Hi,
I also had 3 cysts show up on an Octreotide Scan several years ago, However, in that I have Tuberous Sclerosis; that was not of major concern. Since the Tuberous Sclerosis often has cysts on the kidneys especially, since they are from the neuroendricine disease.

If yours are in the kidney, I would watch for Urological changes, as well as possible stages of Chronic Kidney Disease. Otherwise, most are benign and do little, since they are often outside of the kidney.

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I have several pancreatic cysts, as I also have a history of neuroendocrine tumors in the duodenum, I was concerned.  I had an MRI and then followed up with a ultrasound endoscopy.  They did  not look problematic so I am relieved.  Another MRI will be done in a year or so for follow up.  If you want more info, John Hopkins' website offers lots of info on pancreatic cysts. Best wishes as you follow up on these pesky things.

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@hopeful33250

I have several pancreatic cysts, as I also have a history of neuroendocrine tumors in the duodenum, I was concerned.  I had an MRI and then followed up with a ultrasound endoscopy.  They did  not look problematic so I am relieved.  Another MRI will be done in a year or so for follow up.  If you want more info, John Hopkins' website offers lots of info on pancreatic cysts. Best wishes as you follow up on these pesky things.

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Thanks so much for sharing your experience! Maybe will help me worry less. 🙂 I'll check out the John Hopkins site. Thanks again, and wishing you the best!

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@irvkay312

Hi,
I also had 3 cysts show up on an Octreotide Scan several years ago, However, in that I have Tuberous Sclerosis; that was not of major concern. Since the Tuberous Sclerosis often has cysts on the kidneys especially, since they are from the neuroendricine disease.

If yours are in the kidney, I would watch for Urological changes, as well as possible stages of Chronic Kidney Disease. Otherwise, most are benign and do little, since they are often outside of the kidney.

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Hi Kay... thanks for your response. First, I do have one functioning kidney, but the one that isn't functioning does have a cyst. My kidney disease is Acute, not chronic, caused by a vascular problem that required a stent in my right renal artery.. left kidney could not be stented so it's not working. My nephrologist isn't concerned... for now. The pancreatic cyst is to be followed and I've gotten some info that helps me not to worry so much. My brother's death from pancreatic cancer has added extra concern.
Again, thanks for sharing your experience. I wish you the best! Bonnie

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Good tip on the Johns Hopkins website about pancreatic cysts @hopeful33250. @bonitav here's the link http://www.pancreascyst.org/ If you prefer video, then you may appreciate this link too "What You Need to Know About Pancreatic Cysts" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XszJGQzTb40
Here's a diagram of the Types of Pancreatic Cysts http://mayocl.in/1RfPjjF

Bonita, When are your lab tests and colonoscopy scheduled for? We'll be thinking of you.

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@colleenyoung

Good tip on the Johns Hopkins website about pancreatic cysts @hopeful33250. @bonitav here's the link http://www.pancreascyst.org/ If you prefer video, then you may appreciate this link too "What You Need to Know About Pancreatic Cysts" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XszJGQzTb40
Here's a diagram of the Types of Pancreatic Cysts http://mayocl.in/1RfPjjF

Bonita, When are your lab tests and colonoscopy scheduled for? We'll be thinking of you.

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Bonita: My best to you as you try to worry less. If we can reduce our worries by just a "smidgen" it can do us a lot of good and help us in the healing process.

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@colleenyoung

Good tip on the Johns Hopkins website about pancreatic cysts @hopeful33250. @bonitav here's the link http://www.pancreascyst.org/ If you prefer video, then you may appreciate this link too "What You Need to Know About Pancreatic Cysts" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XszJGQzTb40
Here's a diagram of the Types of Pancreatic Cysts http://mayocl.in/1RfPjjF

Bonita, When are your lab tests and colonoscopy scheduled for? We'll be thinking of you.

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Thanks so much! I'll check it out as soon as my allergies calm down. lol Labs done but no results yet, and the colonoscopy is scheduled for 5/25. I know what to expect with that ... have Crohns so this is done at least annually. Thanks again!

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@colleenyoung

Good tip on the Johns Hopkins website about pancreatic cysts @hopeful33250. @bonitav here's the link http://www.pancreascyst.org/ If you prefer video, then you may appreciate this link too "What You Need to Know About Pancreatic Cysts" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XszJGQzTb40
Here's a diagram of the Types of Pancreatic Cysts http://mayocl.in/1RfPjjF

Bonita, When are your lab tests and colonoscopy scheduled for? We'll be thinking of you.

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Thanks for asking, Colleen. Had the colonoscopy on 5/25. Procedure went well with several polyps removed. The anastomosis from the small bowel resection (years ago) is showing stenosis and 'ulcerative' features. In the afternoon, developed a low grade fever of 101.4. Called the GI and was sent for an abdominal xray to rule out a bowel perforation. Proved not to be the case. Slept and rested for almost 2 days and finally felt better. No idea what caused the fever. That process certainly took my mind off the pancreatic cyst. Will see the Gi again in July and hope to learn of the polyp biopsies. Thanks for the support here. Am currently dealing with a new BP medication and as I do research on that (Bystolic) learned I shouldn't be taking a beta blocker at all as I also have PAD. Sorry, I know this probably sounds rambling, but a lot going on. Oh, and the MRI didn't show the cyst because I had gone to an open MRI, which caused the Gi to be a little upset. I told her I had no idea the open MRI was inadequate and she said, now you do. She hasn't rescheduled that yet. Thanks for listening..

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@bonitav, rambling on Connect is completely allowed. 🙂
Should you wish to meet other members managing blood pressure and peripheral artery disease, please feel free to post in the Heart & Blood Health group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/heart-blood-vessel-conditions/

Will you have to go for another MRI then?

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@colleenyoung

@bonitav, rambling on Connect is completely allowed. 🙂
Should you wish to meet other members managing blood pressure and peripheral artery disease, please feel free to post in the Heart & Blood Health group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/heart-blood-vessel-conditions/

Will you have to go for another MRI then?

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Thanks @colleenyoung. Not sure at this point. Was in the Mayo ER in the wee hours of Sun morning.. A partial abdominal obstruction. After IV with pain meds, was admitted and a naso-gastric tube inserted (not fun), and removed after 24 hours. Then clear liquid diet, then soft foods and was dismissed. Lots going on as I try to get the recommended GI appt. My GI wasn't impressed with a partial obstruction... what to do after the biopsies from the colonoscopy showed only inflammation, no crohns ?, and stricture. Talked with her nurse today who was of no help. Says she'll call again tomorrow. Didn't think my Gi had more plans for testing.... Disburbing. **Update: call from the Mayo nurse that I now have appts with Gi specialist and Gi surgical team during first week in July! Wonderful! I can make it till then! Thanks for the support,

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