GI Alliance of Illinois has a new patient portal link! To access, click here!

Pancreatic Cysts in Illinois

Ready to Consult a GI Physician?

Find a Provider

Within the digestive system, the pancreas is a dual functioning gland. It is made up of two different types of cells. The first type produces juices that help aid digestion; the other regulates blood sugar levels by releasing hormones. Pancreatic cysts are pockets of fluid or a semifluid that is made up of debris and damaged tissues from within or on the pancreas. These sac-like pockets can be cancerous or noncancerous. While the cause of these cysts isn't clear, it's known that some can result from the genetic disorder von Hippel-Lindau disease. If you have pancreatic cysts, we strongly encourage you to partner with a gastroenterologist in your area. To contact a local GI provider, contact GI Alliance of Illinois to find a provider near Chicago, IL locations to Peoria, IL, and Bloomington, IL today.

What are the symptoms of pancreatic cysts?

Pancreatic cysts can be asymptomatic or produce moderate to severe symptoms such as:

Pancreatic cysts can create a range of symptoms from little to no symptoms to more severe symptoms. Common symptoms include:

  • Persistent and severe abdominal
  • Lingering back pain
  • Nausea
  • Bloating
  • Vomiting

Pancreatic cysts can include complications such as infection, hemorrhage, rupture of the pseudocyst, and high blood pressure of the splenic or portal vein.

Our Illinois and surrounding area providers diagnose pancreatic cysts by performing tests such as an ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, MRCP, endoscopic ultrasound, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. The test used will depend on your symptoms as well as the professional opinion of your provider. Typically, pseudocysts are able to resolve on their own without treatment; however, larger cysts may require drainage. A pancreatic cyst can be drained by inserting a long tube with a needle into the cyst. Other drainage options include using a percutaneous catheter or through a surgical procedure, which requires making an incision on the abdomen. Depending on the treatment used, our GI Alliance of Illinois providers will give you clear instructions on what you can expect before, during, and after your procedure.

Find A Provider Find A Location

While some pancreatic cysts could be benign (noncancerous), it's still important to have symptoms reviewed by a GI specialist. GI Alliance of Illinois aims to partner with our patients to provide state-of-the-art treatment of pancreatic cysts. To find a gastroenterology provider near you, contact one of our locations in or around Illinois.

Dr. Gamble is very patient and caring. He takes the time to explain things and made sure I understood. Extremely attentive. He went above and beyond my expectations.

I.C. Google

Dr. Calandra is a very qualified gastroenterologist. I’ve been his patient for 5 years when I met him when I was in the E.R. I’m grateful that he was on call that late afternoon. I had two serious G.I. problems and he and his colleagues got to the bottom of these problems, leaving no stone unturned in arriving at a diagnosis. Both of these problems required procedures and hospitalizations. In addition, Dr. Calandra is a kind and down to earth person who took all the time necessary to explain any questions I had. Thanks so much, Dr. Calandra. Jean L.

J.L. Google

Great professional. Smart, dedicated and caring.

J.M. Google

Dr. Janda and his staff are wonderful. Very accomadating and clearly explained everything

J.W. Google

Dr Bernsen has diagnosed my symptoms correctly, sending me to the ER when I had Cdiff. Thank you Dr Bernsen.

M.C. Google

10

Total Reviews

4.9

Average Rating