Pancreatitis
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Pancreatic Cysts Q&A
Medical Author Dr. Dennis Lee
Medical Author Dr. Jay W. Marks
 Viewer Question: Are cysts in the pancreas dangerous?
Dr. Lee's Answer: Cysts in the pancreas often are found incidentally when abdominal ultrasounds and computerized tomography (CT) scans of the abdomen are performed. Most
cysts are asymptomatic, that is, they do not cause symptoms; however, symptoms (primarily pain) may occur particularly with larger and expanding cysts when they compress the tissues surrounding them. There are three common types of pancreatic cysts...
Top Searched Edema Terms:
chronic, acute, symptoms, diet, type 1 diabetes, treatment acute,
treatment chronic,
growth hormone,
hereditary,
gallstones,
gallbladder
, fluid retention,
cholecystitis,
pain
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What is pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is an
inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a large gland behind the stomach
and close to the duodenum. The duodenum is the upper part of the small
intestine. The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine
through a tube called the pancreatic duct. These enzymes help digest fats,
proteins, and carbohydrates in food. The pancreas also releases the hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream. These hormones help the body use the
glucose it takes from food for energy.
Normally, digestive enzymes do not become active until they reach the small
intestine, where they begin digesting food. But if these enzymes become active
inside the pancreas, they start "digesting" the pancreas itself.
Acute pancreatitis occurs suddenly and lasts for a short period of time and
usually resolves. Chronic pancreatitis does not resolve itself and results in a
slow destruction of the pancreas. Either form can cause serious complications.
In severe cases, bleeding, tissue damage, and infection may occur. Pseudocysts,
accumulations of fluid and tissue debris, may also develop. And enzymes and
toxins may enter the bloodstream, injuring the heart, lungs, and kidneys, or
other organs.
|
|
Pancreatic Cysts Q&A
Medical Author Dr. Dennis Lee
Medical Author Dr. Jay W. Marks
Viewer Question: Are cysts in the pancreas dangerous?
Dr. Lee's Answer: Cysts in the pancreas often are found incidentally when abdominal ultrasounds and computerized tomography (CT) scans of the abdomen are performed. Most
cysts are asymptomatic, that is, they do not cause symptoms; however, symptoms (primarily pain) may occur particularly with larger and expanding cysts when they compress the tissues surrounding them. There are three common types of pancreatic cysts...
Top Searched Edema Terms:
chronic, acute, symptoms, diet, type 1 diabetes, treatment acute,
treatment chronic,
growth hormone,
hereditary,
gallstones,
gallbladder
, fluid retention,
cholecystitis,
pain
|
|
What are the causes of acute pancreatitis?
Some people have more than one attack and recover
completely after each, but acute pancreatitis can be a severe, life-threatening
illness with many complications. About 80,000 cases occur in the United States
each year; some 20 percent of them are severe. Acute pancreatitis occurs more
often in men than women.
Acute pancreatitis is usually caused by
gallstones or by drinking too much
alcohol, but these aren't the only causes. If alcohol use and gallstones are
ruled out, other possible causes of pancreatitis should be carefully examined so
that appropriate treatment-if available-can begin.
Next: What are the symptoms of acute pancreatitis? »
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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
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- CT Scan - CAT Scan / CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography) information. Learn what a CAT Scan is, why it is performed, risks, and how to prepare for a CAT scan Source:MedicineNet
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