Pancreatic Cyst Treatment for Patients

Multidisciplinary Approach to Wellness for Pancreatic Cyst Patients

A UH gastroenterologist, a doctor that specializes in stomach issues, will take the time to understand each patient’s history and medical goals before presenting treatment plan options. We offer highly individualized care that includes patient education about a healthy diet and avoiding pancreatoxic substances like tobacco and alcohol that can irritate the pancreas.

With national expertise, our team members are active on committees that establish guidelines for the diagnosis, management and treatment of pancreatic cysts. Our team also includes licensed nutritionists and pharmacists to better represent all areas of patient wellness and pancreatic health.

Pancreatic Cyst Clinic for Surveillance

In addition to our multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis, management and treatment of pancreatic cysts, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center offers a Pancreatic Cyst Clinic for the surveillance of pancreatic cysts, indeterminate pancreatic lesions and pancreatitis. This clinic closely monitors patients and helps coordinate care they may need from Gastroenterology or Surgical Oncology.

Providing patient education, risk assessment and continued radiographic surveillance, we hold the Pancreatic Cyst Clinic at two convenient locations:

Westside: UH Seidman Cancer Center at UH Avon Health Center
Eastside: UH Seidman Cancer Center at UH Minoff Health Center at Chagrin Highlands

Patients can call 216-844-7792 to schedule an appointment at either location.

Careful Monitoring Approach by Type of Pancreatic Cyst

The traditional treatment for pancreatic cysts is surveillance or a “watch and wait” approach instead of surgery. Once we identify the type of cyst, we follow the patient carefully with surveillance based on the unique attributes of the cyst. Pancreatic cysts can begin as benign cysts, but may develop or change, including malignancy. Using the patient’s clinical history, imaging results and cyst fluid analysis, we focus our care and adjust the treatment plan, if necessary.

Pancreatic Cyst Risk Factors

While the cause of pancreatic cysts is unknown, there are some risk factors that may increase the chance of developing this condition, including:

• Abdominal injury which increases the risk for pseudocysts, or inflammatory cysts
• Gallstones
• Heavy alcohol use
• Pancreatitis which also increases the risk for pseudocysts
• Rare illnesses such as von Hippel-Lindau disease

Some of the risk factors for pancreatic cysts are within your control. For improved pancreatic health, work with your doctor to reduce your risk by cutting down your alcohol intake and focusing on a healthy lifestyle.