The pancreas is an organ of the human body located in the upper abdomen; it is responsible for producing enzymes that intervene in indigestion and secreting hormones such as insulin, which is part of the control of metabolism.
This organ can present lesions known as cysts in the pancreas, which occur more frequently in people over 50 years of age. In this FastlyHealarticle, you will learn much more about cysts in the pancreas: why they come out, treatment, and home remedies that contribute to the resolution of this condition.
Table of Contents
Why do cysts appear in the pancreas?
The origin of cysts in the pancreas is unknown. Some of them are related to diseases such as:
- Von Hippel-Lindau disease is a genetic problem that affects the pancreas and other organs.
- After a painful illness, pseudocysts can appear in the pancreas because digestive enzymes are activated prematurely and injure the pancreas, giving rise to the appearance of pancreatitis and even other injuries.
- A traumatic accident at the abdominal level could give rise to the formation of a pseudocyst in the pancreas.
Cysts in the pancreas: symptoms
Most people who suffer from pancreatic cysts do not present symptoms. Their presence becomes evident unexpectedly through requested diagnostic studies, such as imaging tests for other pathologies.
However, patients can present varied symptoms such as:
- Abdominal pain in the upper part.
- Vomiting
- Icteric tint (a yellowish color of skin and mucosa).
- Weightloss.
In the vast majority of cases, these symptoms occur as a consequence of compression of other abdominal organs.
Types of cysts in the pancreas
There are many cysts in the pancreas. Most of them are benign lesions that do not generate danger for the patient. Most of these cysts are secondary to an inflammatory process, lesions that do not cause further alteration.
Often, about 3-4 types of cysts in the pancreas are treated, including:
- Pancreatic pseudocyst is characterized by an accumulation of fluid secreted by the pancreas. Generally, it appears as a complication of acute, chronic, or post-traumatic pancreatitis.
- Serous cystadenoma: these frequently appear in women older than 60 years. They have minimal risk of becoming cancerous. They can grow and displace some organs within the abdominal cavity, generating abdominal pain and a feeling of fullness.
- Mucinous cystadenoma: this usually appears in middle-aged women. This lesion occurs on the body or in the tail of the pancreas. It is precancerous, so it can evolve into cancer if it is not treated in time.
- Papillary cystic tumor: Also called papillary cystic neoplasm, it appears infrequently but is usually cancerous. It usually attacks women under 35 years of age. This lesion is located in the body or the tail of the pancreas.
- Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm appears as a lump in the ventral pancreatic duct or some of its branches. It is a precancerous lesion that can evolve into cancer. It occurs in men and women over 50 years of age.
- Islet cell cystic tumor: it is a primarily solid tumor. Despite that, it is very similar to a cyst.
Treatment for cysts in the pancreas
In the presence of cysts in the pancreas, the treatment to follow will depend on the type of cyst:
- Watchful waiting should be maintained initially if it is a severe cystadenoma. It does not need to be treated because it rarely becomes cancerous. Only if it produces symptoms or grows should treatment be applied.
- It is important to note that all pancreatic cysts should be monitored and controlled.
- In cases where the cyst increases in size, such as pseudocysts that produce symptoms, it is necessary to proceed to drain the lesion. This drainage can be endoscopically by puncture through the stomach or duodenum.
- Sometimes, drainage is not enough. It requires the removal of the lesion through surgery due to the risk that they become cancerous lesions.
Home remedies for cysts in the pancreas
Home remedies should not be used as the only treatment but can help cleanse and detoxify the body, including the pancreas. Among the natural treatments are:
- Lemon: has multiple properties, including detoxifying the body and stimulating healthy tissue growth. It is used alone or in combination with other home remedies such as garlic, honey, cayenne pepper, or different herbal teas.
- Dandelion root: it is a natural plant that stimulates bile production. It is recommended in cases of liver and pancreatic lesions. Contains phytonutrients and kynurenic acid with excellent digestive and anti-inflammatory effects. It can be consumed in capsules of 500 mg 2 times a day or in tea, 2 or 3 cups a day.
- Gentian Root: This remedy is used for its excellent digestive, antibiotic, and healing properties to treat chronic pancreatitis. You must ingest it in the form of tea. To a cup of boiling water, add 5 grams of gentian root, cover it to let it rest, and drink a cup 2 to 3 times a day.
- Echinacea: This plant has excellent properties to increase bile production, which benefits the pancreas and spleen. It can be consumed as an infusion of one cup 3 times a day or in the presentation of 500 mg capsules for the same time until improvement is seen.
- Milk thistle: it is a medicinal plant that contains silymarin. This flavonoid allows for the healing and repair of the lesions in the pancreas and the liver. It is excellent in cases of pancreatitis, so its consumption prevents and heals cysts in the pancreas. You can take it in the form of an infusion. You must put a tablespoon of milk thistle seeds in a cup of boiling water, let it rest and eat it after meals. It can be consumed in capsules, 450 mg per day, until improvement is seen.
It is essential to bear in mind that a specialist must evaluate the appearance of a cyst in the pancreas. He will be in charge of determining the type of cyst and even the treatment to be followed for the patient’s benefit and with the least possible risk to their health.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Cysts in the pancreas: why they come out, treatment, and home remedies, we recommend entering our Endocrine system category.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.