A pancreatic pseudocyst is a sac of fluid and tissue around the pancreas.

The pancreas is an organ behind the stomach that produces enzymes needed to break down food. It also produces insulin.

A pseudocyst can form after inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). It also can occur after injury to the pancreas or after a health problem.

These cysts often do not cause symptoms. If a pseudocyst bleeds or gets infected, symptoms may include belly pain, fever, or chills. Other possible symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and a yellow color in the eyes and skin (jaundice).

A pseudocyst may not be treated if it doesn't cause symptoms. If it bleeds or becomes infected, it may be drained using a needle or through surgery. Some pancreatic cysts may need to be removed to make sure they are not cancer.

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Last Revised	January 20, 2011