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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffMany pancreatic cysts are discovered during abdominal scans for other problems. If so, you may be referred to a digestive diseases specialist (gastroenterologist) for further evaluation.
However, if the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cysts cause you to make an appointment with your doctor, there are some things you can do to prepare for your appointment.
What you can do
- Write down any symptoms you're experiencing. Include those that you think may be related to pancreatic cysts, as well as any symptoms that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
- Write down key personal information, such as a history of trauma or injury from a car crash.
- Make a list of all medications, as well as any vitamins or supplements, that you're taking.
- Write down questions to ask your doctor.
Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions ahead of time can help you make the most of your time together. List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out. For pancreatic cysts, some basic questions to ask include:
- What is likely causing my symptoms or condition?
- What are other possible causes?
- What kinds of tests do I need?
- Is my condition likely temporary or chronic?
- What is the best next step?
- What are the alternatives to the primary approach that you're suggesting?
- I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
- Are there any restrictions that I need to follow?
- Should I see a specialist?
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you questions about your symptoms, such as:
- When did you begin experiencing symptoms?
- Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
- Where do you feel your symptoms most?
- How severe are your symptoms?
- What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
- What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
- Have you ever had pancreatitis?
- Is there a history of pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer in your family?
- How many alcoholic drinks do you consume daily?
- Do you have gallstones?
Think about how you'll answer these questions before you arrive.
- Scheiman JM. Management of cystic lesions of the pancreas. Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery. 2008;12:405.
- Pitman MB, et al. Pancreatic cysts: Preoperative diagnosis and clinical management. Cancer Cytopathology. 2010;118:1.
- Steer ML. Cystic lesions of the pancreas. http://www.uptodate.com. Accessed May 14, 2010.
- Pancreatic cysts. National Pancreas Foundation. http://pancreasfoundation.org/2010/04/pancreatic-cysts/. Accessed May 16, 2010.
- Garcea G, et al. Cystic lesions of the pancreas: A diagnostic and management dilemma. Pancreatology. 2008;8:236.
- Habashi S, et al. Pancreatic pseudocyst. World Journal of Gastroenterology. 2009;15:38.
- Khalid A, et al. ACG practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of neoplastic pancreatic cysts. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2007;102:2339.
- Jacobson BC, et al. ASGE guideline: The role of endoscopy in the diagnosis and the management of cystic lesions and inflammatory fluid collections of the pancreas. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. 2005;61:363.
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