Question

A ____is a collection of tissue & fluids that forms on the pancreas, that is not surrounded with epithelial capsule like a true cyst would be. Usually the result of pancreatitis. Less likely to be cancerous that a true cyst.

Answer 1

A pancreatic pseudocyst is a collection of fluid and tissue on the pancreas resulting from pancreatitis. This condition is generally less likely to be cancerous compared to a true cyst and is often diagnosed with imaging tests like a CT scan.

Step-by-step explanation:

A collection of tissue and fluids that forms on the pancreas without an epithelial capsule, commonly resulting from pancreatitis and less likely to be cancerous, is known as a pancreatic pseudocyst. The pancreas, a central organ in digestive and endocrine systems, can develop various disorders including pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and diabetes mellitus. Pancreatitis, which may arise due to factors such as gallstones or chronic alcohol use, can cause the formation of these pseudocysts. These abnormal fluid collections are often diagnosed via imaging tests like a CT scan.

The pancreas itself has a dual role, containing both exocrine cells that secrete digestive enzymes and endocrine cells within pancreatic islets that release hormones into the bloodstream. It is sometimes coined a heterocrine gland for this reason. In the event of inflammation or other pancreatic diseases, a CT scan can help identify complications such as a pancreatic pseudocyst or an abscess around the pancreas.