Though pancreatic cysts can be a common finding, confirming their diagnosis and having them followed at a center of excellence is crucial.

Pancreatic Cysts

For the most part, pancreatic cysts are not cancerous, and they often present with no symptoms. They tend to be found incidentally during scans performed for other reasons.

Although most pancreatic cysts do not usually require significant medical treatment, some may present with certain high-risk features that call for further evaluation. In any case, a pancreatic cyst diagnosis can be very concerning.

When you have a pancreatic cyst, where you go for care—and how quickly you are seen—can make a big difference. At Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, we have provided comprehensive approaches to diagnosis, treatment and support for more than 100 years. We draw upon the nationally recognized experience of our multidisciplinary medical team to coordinate your care and treat your condition appropriately.

We are also proud to be designated as a National Pancreas Foundation Center of Excellence by the National Pancreas Foundation (NPF), a nonprofit organization that provides support for patients with pancreatic cancer and other pancreas-related diseases. Fox Chase is the only institution in the Philadelphia region to earn this designation, which recognizes medical centers that meet a variety of criteria developed by subject matter experts and patient advocates. This criteria includes offering individuals access to specific physician specialists (including gastroenterologists, pancreatic surgeons, and interventional radiologists) and patient support programs (including pain management services and psychosocial support).

At Fox Chase, we take enormous pride in providing world-class care for our patients with pancreatic diseases. When you are a patient at Fox Chase, your dedicated team includes physicians, surgeons, researchers and nurses, as well as nurse navigators, social workers and other specialized staff that provide emotional support and coping strategies.

Why Choose Fox Chase?

• Fox Chase has received the highest designation from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as a Comprehensive Cancer Center, an elite center recognized for excellence in cancer treatment, research, prevention and education. This means our patients receive sophisticated care that includes a wide range of state-of-the-art treatment options.
• The Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute at Fox Chase is rewriting the future of research into pancreas-related conditions. We support activities on every front in the fight against these diseases, including the development of new treatment options and further research into a cure for pancreatic cancer.
• Fox Chase physicians and investigators have received numerous awards and honors, including Nobel Prizes in medicine and chemistry. They are at the forefront of developing new treatments that can improve a patient’s chances of recovery or having a better quality of life.
• Our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to providing exceptional care to both you and your family, including state-of-the-art diagnostics and treatment, vigilant follow-up care after recovery, referrals to community resources and support, and much more.
• Request an appointment with our pancreatic specialists. You don’t have to wait weeks or months for an appointment, diagnosis, or second opinion.
• Some pancreatic cysts are or can become cancerous, and studies show that patients who begin their treatment at a hospital that specializes in cancer, like Fox Chase, have a better chance of survival.

“Pancreatic cysts can be difficult to diagnose, but we have good insight on these cysts because our team of physicians from many specialties are involved in the patient’s treatment—it’s true multidisciplinary care.”

– Sanjay S. Reddy, MD, FACS, Surgical Oncologist and co-leader of The Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute at Fox Chase