Monday 3 October 2011

Abdominal Pains Caused By Pancreatic Cysts





Abdominal Pains Caused By Pancreatic Cysts
Abdominal pains can also arise when you have got large pancreatic cysts. They may even become visible to you when you notice firm, rounded swelling in the upper abdomen. In the beginning, the cysts may sound resonant, like a drum. The sounds are as such due to loops of gas-filled intestine fronting its location; eventually the mass sounds dull. Cysts may form within your pancreas if you have cystic fibrosis. It is not just adults that can develop cysts. Cystic pancreatic lesions have also been reported in children.
Even though your pancreas may be small, it has many functions. Your pancreas is responsible for producing several hormones needed in your digestion and bodily functions, including insulin that helps control your blood sugar. Though hidden behind your stomach, the pancreas can be affected by pancreatic cysts. These cysts are normally benign but can sometimes be cancerous. For this reason, it is good to know something about them.
Pancreatic cysts are made up of fluids and are located in the pancreas. They are mainly of two types: true cysts (lined with epithelial cells) and false or pseudo-cysts (lined with fibrous tissue). True pancreatic cysts are less common (only 20% of incidence) and include congenital polycystic disease of the pancreas, among others. A pseudocyst (80% of incidence) is a collection of fluid in the lesser sac. It usually develops due to trauma to the pancreas, or following acute or chronic pancreatitis (of which alcoholism is a significant cause), or due to perforation of a posterior gastric ulcer (which is rare).

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