What are the different causes and types of pancreatic cysts?
There are two major types of pancreatic cysts; inflammatory cysts and noninflammatory cysts. Inflammatory cysts are benign, whereas noninflammatory cysts can be benign, precancerous, or cancerous. Inflammatory cysts Most of the inflammatory cysts of the pancreas are pancreatic pseudocysts. Pseudocysts of the pancreas result from pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). The common causes of pancreatitis include alcoholism, gallstones, trauma, or surgery. The fluid inside the pseudocysts represents liquefied dead pancreatic tissue, cells of inflammation, and a high concentration of digestive enzymes (for example, amylase). Most pseudocysts caused by acute pancreatitis resolve spontaneously (without treatment) within several weeks. Pseudocysts that need treatment are those that persist beyond six weeks and are causing symptoms such as pain, obstruction of the stomach or duodenum, or become infected.
