At Penn Medicine, you receive state-of-the-art care from world-renowned experts in pancreatic cyst disease. Our Pancreatic Cyst Program is one of the first and only programs of its kind in the country. We bring together leading minds from multiple disciplines to help you manage diagnosis and treatment for all types of precancerous and benign pancreatic cysts.
What Is a Pancreatic Cyst?
A pancreatic cyst is an abnormal mass (tumor) found within the pancreas. There are several types of pancreatic cysts, which can be benign (noncancerous), precancerous or cancer. Many are precancerous, which means they could turn into pancreatic cancer one day.
For that reason, your doctor may recommend regular imaging tests to track how a cyst changes over the rest of your life. In a few cases, we perform surgery to remove a cyst to protect your health or prevent cancer.
Pancreatic Cyst Program: The Penn Medicine Advantage
Our dedicated program provides easy access to long-term surveillance and multidisciplinary expertise. People from all over the country choose Penn Medicine for a precise diagnosis and personalized treatment for all types of pancreatic cysts. The Penn Pancreatic Cyst Program is a high volume clinic and manages more than 1,000 patients each year.
You also benefit from our:
- Team of experts:
Led by program directors, Dr. Charles M. Vollmer, MD, and Dr. Nuzhat A. Ahmad, MD, our team of surgeons, gastroenterologists, pathologists and radiologists are leading experts in common and rare types of pancreatic cysts.
- Advanced diagnostic tools: We have the latest diagnostic tools (such as endoscopic ultrasound) at our disposal. We conduct a thorough evaluation using the least invasive methods possible. An accurate diagnosis is a critical step to developing a plan that best protects your long-term health.
- Surgical expertise: Because of the complexity of pancreas surgery, experience matters. Our hepatobiliary surgeons have decades of experience in the most intricate pancreas surgeries. They routinely remove hard-to-treat tumors with exceptional skill and a high degree of safety.
- Convenience and flexibility: We accommodate your needs to streamline the care process whenever possible. That may mean receiving routine testing at a hospital near you and sending the results to Penn. Ask your provider if you're eligible for telemedicine services (virtual visits), which enable some people to manage their health with added flexibility.
- Promising clinical research: Our pancreatic research team participates in ongoing studies of new ways to diagnose and treat pancreatic cysts. This research focus gives you access to some of the latest care advances, like novel diagnostic tests or new surgical techniques.
Benign and Precancerous Pancreatic Tumors We Treat
We care for patients affected by all types of pancreatic cysts, including:
- Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms
- Serous cystadenomas
- Mucinous cystic neoplasms
- Pseudopapillary tumors (also called Frantz tumor or Hamoudi tumor)
- Cystic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
- Pseudocysts secondary to pancreatitis
- Idiopathic pancreatic cysts
Our Dedicated Pancreatic Cyst Clinic
After your initial evaluation, our team discusses the details of your case and customizes your care plan. Based on your needs and situation, we may recommend routine screenings (imaging tests) or other options, such as surgery to remove a cyst.
Our Pancreatic Cyst Clinic makes it easy to get any imaging tests or long-term follow-up care you may need. This surveillance clinic is run by advanced practice providers who you can meet with in person or via telehealth.
We take the time to discuss your test results and overall treatment plan and answer your questions. We also help you coordinate any additional treatment you may need.
If your care team recommends surgery, you're in excellent hands. Few other hospitals perform more major pancreas surgeries than Penn. Our outcomes are among the best in the nation. We stay by your side to support you through every step of the surgery process, including recovery. Learn more about pancreas surgery.
Request an Appointment
Call 800-789-7366 or request a callback.