The pancreas It is a fundamental organ for digestion and for the control of blood glucose levels. Some of its diseases can cause clear symptoms, as occurs in certain episodes of pancreatitis, whilst other alterations, such as pancreatic cysts, they can be discovered incidentally during an ultrasound, a CT scan or an MRI performed for another reason.
Find a pancreatic lesion this does not necessarily mean that a serious problem exists. However, certain abnormalities require specialist evaluation to understand their characteristics and decide whether they need treatment or simply regular monitoring.
In this guide we explain What are the main diseases of the pancreas, what differences exist between pancreatitis and a pancreatic cyst and when is it advisable to carry out check-ups.
What is the pancreas and what is its function
Symptoms
The pancreas is an organ located in the upper abdomen, behind the stomach.
It mainly serves two functions:
- Digestive function: produces enzymes that help digest fats, proteins and carbohydrates.
- Endocrine function: produces hormones, such as insulin and glucagon, which are involved in blood glucose control.
When the pancreas becomes inflamed, is damaged or develops certain lesions, these functions can be altered.
What is pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is a inflammation of the pancreas.
It can present itself in two main ways:
Acute pancreatitis
The Acute pancreatitis It appears suddenly and can vary greatly in intensity.
In some patients, it is a mild episode that improves in a few days. In other cases, it can cause significant complications and require hospitalisation and close monitoring.
Among its most frequent causes are:
- gallbladder or bile duct stones;
- heavy alcohol consumption;
- very high triglyceride levels;
- certain medications;
- anatomical alterations;
- some autoimmune diseases;
- biliary or pancreatic duct procedures;
- genetic causes in certain patients.
On occasion, even after carrying out a full investigation, the cause is not initially identified.
Chronic pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis is ongoing or recurring inflammation that progressively causes permanent changes in the pancreatic tissue.
Over time, it can affect the pancreas's ability to produce digestive enzymes and regulate glucose.
Can be associated with:
- recurrent episodes of abdominal pain;
- weight loss;
- digestive disturbances;
- fatty diarrhoea or stools that are difficult to flush;
- nutritional deficiencies;
- onset of diabetes.
What are the symptoms of pancreatitis?
- Upper abdominal pain: It tends to be intense and can appear suddenly or recur over time.
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Pain radiating to the back: it is a frequent characteristic of pain of pancreatic origin.
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Nausea and vomiting: they can particularly accompany episodes of acute pancreatitis.
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Abdominal bloating: feeling of bloating or tightness in the abdomen.
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Fever: it may appear in some acute episodes.
- Weight loss: it can occur in chronic pancreatitis, especially when there is difficulty digesting food properly.
- Fatty or difficult to flush stools: they can occur when the pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes.
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Glucose abnormalities or diabetes: In advanced stages of chronic pancreatitis, insulin production can be affected.
When to see a doctor
- Warning signsThe presence of blood in stool, black stools, unexplained weight loss, or difficulty swallowing require urgent consultation.
- Changes in bowel habitIt is necessary to assess the persistence of diarrhoea, chronic constipation, or abdominal pain that increases in intensity.
- Recurrent symptomsFrequent digestive complaints, such as reflux, heartburn, or a feeling of heaviness, should be diagnosed to avoid complications.
- Risk factors A family history of digestive cancer, polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease necessitates specialist medical supervision.
- Lack of improvement It is recommended to seek a second opinion in cases of complex diagnoses, anemias of unclear origin, or symptoms that do not respond to usual treatment.
Causes
The pancreatitis it can appear due to different causes and, in some cases, it is necessary to perform a specific study to identify the origin. Knowing the cause is important to reduce the risk of further episodes and to guide treatment.
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Gallstones: they are one of the most frequent causes of acute pancreatitis and can temporarily block the outflow of pancreatic secretions.
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High alcohol consumption: it can promote both acute episodes and the development of chronic pancreatitis.
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Very high triglycerides: Very high levels in the blood can trigger acute inflammation of the pancreas.
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Certain medications: some drugs can cause pancreatitis as a rare adverse effect.
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Anatomical abnormalities of the pancreas or biliary tract: Certain structural variations can hinder the normal drainage of the pancreas.
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Autoimmune diseases: In some patients, the immune system can cause inflammation of the pancreatic tissue.
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Genetic or hereditary causes: Certain genetic alterations can increase the predisposition to pancreatitis, especially when episodes begin at early ages.
Risk factors
There are certain factors that can increase the likelihood of developing pancreatic diseases or favouring new episodes of pancreatitis. Identifying them allows preventive measures to be established and, when necessary, closer monitoring.
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Regular alcohol consumption: it increases the risk of pancreatic inflammation, especially when maintained over long periods of time.
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Smoking is associated with an increased risk of chronic pancreatitis and other diseases of the pancreas.
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Gallstones: they can block the outflow of pancreatic secretions and trigger acute pancreatitis.
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Raised triglycerides: when they reach very high levels they can significantly increase the risk of pancreatitis.
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Family history: some pancreatic diseases may have a hereditary or genetic component.
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Previous episodes of pancreatitis: Having suffered from pancreatitis previously can increase the risk of recurrence, especially if the cause has not been corrected.
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Certain metabolic or autoimmune diseases: Some conditions can promote inflammation or progressive damage to the pancreas.
Complications
The complications of pancreatic diseases they depend on their cause and evolution. In cases of pancreatitis, infections, fluid collections, pseudocysts, alterations in pancreatic function, nutritional problems or diabetes may appear, while certain pancreatic cysts can grow, produce symptoms or present changes that make closer monitoring necessary or evaluate other treatment options.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pancreatic diseases It is based on the assessment of symptoms, personal and family medical history, and various diagnostic tests. Depending on each case, blood tests, an abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) or endoscopic ultrasound may be requested—techniques that make it possible to assess inflammation of the pancreas, examine the pancreatic ducts and characterise any cysts or lesions with greater precision.
Treatment
The treatment of pancreatic diseases It depends on the cause and the type of disorder. In pancreatitis, this may include pain control, hydration, nutritional support and treatment of the underlying cause, such as gallstones, elevated triglycerides or alcohol consumption.
In the case of the pancreatic cysts, many only require regular follow-up with imaging tests. If changes, symptoms or higher-risk features present, it may be necessary to extend the investigation with an endosonography or to evaluate other treatment options.
Forecast
The prognosis of pancreatic diseases depends on the type of alteration, its severity and the underlying cause. Many cases of acute pancreatitis evolve favourably with appropriate treatment, whereas in chronic pancreatitis it is important to monitor progression and prevent complications. Regarding pancreatic cysts, the majority can remain stable for years, although some require regular monitoring for the early detection of potential changes.
Prevention
Prevention of pancreatic diseases is based mainly on reducing factors that can promote inflammation of the pancreas and maintaining proper monitoring when a known abnormality already exists.
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption: it can reduce the risk of acute and chronic pancreatitis.
- No smoking: Smoking is associated with an increased risk of pancreatic diseases.
- Maintaining a healthy weight: helps to reduce some metabolic factors related to pancreatitis.
- Control triglyceride levels: especially when there is a history of hypertriglyceridaemia.
- Treat gallstones when indicated: they can be a frequent cause of acute pancreatitis.
- Eat a balanced diet: it helps control weight and certain metabolic factors.
- Attend the recommended medical check-ups: especially if there is a pancreatic cyst, a history of pancreatitis or other risk factors.
Prevention does not make it possible to avoid all pancreatic diseases, but it can help to reduce some risks and detect changes early through appropriate monitoring.
Which specialists treat her?
Preguntas frecuentes
Some types of pancreatic cysts have the potential for malignant transformation, although many remain stable and do not present a high risk. Therefore, it is important to correctly characterise the lesion and establish appropriate monitoring.
The frequency of the checks depends on the size, the type of cyst, its characteristics and how it develops. The specialist will determine the most appropriate interval in each case.
The MRI with MRCP It is one of the most widely used tests. In some cases, a further one may also be necessary Ecoendoscopia to study the lesion in greater detail
It is advisable to consult before severe or persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, jaundice, repeated episodes of pancreatitis or when a cyst or lesion in the pancreas is detected incidentally.