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+971 58 881 0987info@drmahmoudtabbal.comAl Zahra HospitalDubai Sheikh Zayed Rd - Al Barsha 1 - Dubai
Specialization

Conquer Pancreatic Cysts and Pseudocysts: Dr. Mahmoud Tabbal's Specialized Approach

Introduction to Pancreatic Cysts and Pseudocysts

Pancreatic cysts are sac-like pockets of fluid in or on your pancreas. The pancreas is situated behind your stomach and produces hormones and enzymes that help to digest your food. There are two main categories of pancreatic cysts, non-neoplastic and neoplastic cysts. Each group includes many different subtypes of cysts, such as pseudocysts, serous cystadenomas, and mucinous cystic neoplasms. Most of them fortunately are not cancerous, and many don’t even cause symptoms. However, some pancreatic cysts can be or can become cancerous if left untreated. Dr. Tabbal might ask for a sample of the pancreatic cyst fluid to determine if cancer cells are present. Or he may recommend monitoring a cyst over time for changes that indicate cancer.

Multidisciplinary Approach to Pancreatic Cyst and Pseudocyst Treatment

Pancreatic cysts are now more frequently diagnosed due to advancements in imaging technology. Dr. Mahmoud Tabbal will conduct a medical history review and physical examination before recommending imaging tests for diagnosis and treatment planning. CT scans offer detailed information on the size and structure of the cyst. MRI scans can detect subtle details and identify components that indicate a higher risk of cancer. Endoscopic ultrasound provides detailed images of the cyst, while fluid can be collected from the cyst for laboratory analysis to detect signs of cancer. The latest magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is the preferred imaging test for monitoring pancreatic cysts, especially for evaluating cysts in the pancreatic duct.
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Advanced Treatments for Pancreatic Cysts and Pseudocysts

If you have a benign pseudocyst that is not causing any issues it can be left untreated. Similarly, a serous cystadenoma, which rarely becomes cancerous, can be left alone unless it grows or causes symptoms. If a bothersome pseudocyst is causing symptoms or growing larger, it can be drained, in some cases through the skin. Dr. Tabbal may recommend surgical removal for certain types of pancreatic cysts due to the risk of cancer. Enlarged pseudocysts or serous cystadenomas causing pain may also require surgery. The treatment approach for pseudocysts can vary. Supportive care and watchful waiting may lead to resolution, with Dr. Tabbal monitoring for complications and conducting follow-up tests. However, if the pseudocyst remains large or persists over time, drainage may be necessary.

Dr. Mahmoud Tabbal: The Best Specialist for Pancreatic Cysts and Pseudocysts in Dubai

Dr Mahmoud Tabbal is a Board-Certified Consultant General Surgeon with more than twenty years’ experience in the USA, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. He is currently working as the Chief of the General, Robotic, Bariatric, Paediatric, and Acute Care Surgery Division at Al Zahra Hospital in Dubai. Most recently, he worked as the Head of Hepatobiliary surgery at King Fahad Specialist Hospital in Saudi Arabia. Dr Tabbal is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and received his advanced surgical training in the USA and Canada through the American Society of Transplant Surgeons and the American Hepatopancreatobiliary Association. He also holds a Jordanian Board Certificate in General Surgery, an advanced Diploma in Laparoscopic Surgery from France, and an Advanced Robotic Training Certificate from the USA. He conducts a broad range of procedures in General Surgery, Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery, Hepatobiliary and Transplant Surgery, Advanced Surgical Oncology, and Cancer Surgeries. He is an active member of many local and international societies and a regular speaker at many leading medical congresses around the world.

Personalized Care and Support

The diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cysts and pseudocysts can be an isolating experience. Our approach to personalized care guides the relationship between you as the patient, the professionals in Dr. Mahmoud’s team, and the world-class hospital system at Al Zahra Hospital, Dubai, in which you receive your care. Most importantly it means that you retain the ultimate choice and active control over the way that your care is being planned and delivered, under Dr. Tabbal’s expert guidance. Our personalized approach means always using the latest technology to deliver tailored treatments and tackle situations before they deteriorate.

Why Choose Dr. Mahmoud Tabbal for Pancreatic Cysts and Pseudocysts Treatment in Dubai

Dr. Mahmoud Tabbal’s team at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai offers an extensive range of pancreatic cyst and pseudocyst related services in Dubai, from diagnostics to surgical interventions and medical treatments. His extensive team of specialized and sub-specialised oncologists are equipped with the latest advances in treatment and offer world-class oncological care to make sure you get the best chance at living a long, happy, and fulfilling life. They bring the best pancreatic cyst and pseudocyst care to patients from across the Middle East, Africa, India, Europe and beyond. Whether you need a major intervention or simply a second opinion, Dr Tabbal and his expert team are always ready to welcome you to Dubai with open arms.

FAQs about Pancreatic Cysts & Pseudocysts

Pancreatic cysts are closed fluid-filled sacs, lined with epithelium, on or in the pancreas – a long, flat gland located behind your stomach that produces digestive enzymes, and hormones which regulate blood sugar levels. Pancreatic cysts can be divided into serous and mucinous, depending on the type of fluid they contain. There are many types of pancreatic cysts, most of which are benign (non-cancerous) but some can be cancerous. Some cysts, described as precancerous, might develop into cancer over time if left untreated.
Pancreatic pseudocysts are collections of inflammatory pancreatic fluid or semisolid matter that occur within spaces inside the pancreas and are not contained inside their own enclosed sac. They usually occur as a complication of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Pseudocysts are benign (non-cancerous).

Pancreatic cysts often do not cause any symptoms and may be found during imaging tests done for another reason. Symptoms of pseudocysts may occur within days to months following a pancreatitis attack.

When signs or symptoms of pancreatic cysts do occur, they may include:

  • Persistent abdominal pain, which may radiate to the back
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Unintended weight loss
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Feeling full soon after starting to eating

Fever and persistent abdominal pain may occur if a cyst becomes infected.

The cause of most pancreatic cysts is not clear. Some types of cysts are associated with rare illnesses, including polycystic kidney disease or von Hippel-Lindau disease – a genetic disorder that can affect the pancreas and other organs.
Pseudocysts often occur after an episode of pancreatitis – a painful condition in which digestive enzymes become prematurely activated while still in the pancreas causing inflammation. Pancreatic pseudocysts can also be caused by trauma.
Heavy alcohol use and gallstones are risk factors for pancreatitis, which can lead to the development of pseudocysts. Abdominal injury is also a risk factor for pseudocysts. The rare genetic disorder von Hippel-Lindau disease is a risk factor for pancreatic cysts.
  • Infection – which can sometimes lead to a pancreatic abscess
  • Rupture (breaking open) or haemorrhage (bleeding) of a cyst or pseudocyst – can occur without warning and is treated as a medical emergency.
  • Blockage of the common bile duct by a large cyst –  causing skin, mucous membranes and whites of the eyes to appear yellow (obstructive jaundice).

Pancreatic cysts and pseudocysts can be hard to diagnose because the symptoms can be similar to various other diseases. Symptomless cysts may show up on imaging tests and scans done for other reasons.

After taking a medical history and performing a physical exam, tests may include:

  • Transabdominal ultrasound
  • Abdominal CT scan or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
  • Endoscopic Ultrasound – using an ultrasound device to make images of your pancreas and connecting ducts by passing a thin, flexible tube (endoscope) into your throat and through your stomach – may be used to further evaluate a pancreatic cyst or to distinguish a pancreatic pseudocyst from other types of cystic lesions
  • ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) –  uses an endoscopic ultrasound device and dye injected into the pancreatic duct and /or bile duct, to look for blockages
  • Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) – uses magnetic resonance imaging to visualize the biliary and pancreatic ducts non-invasively
  • A sample of the pancreatic cyst fluid may be taken using a fine needle for analysis in the laboratory

Treatment depends on the type of cyst or pseudocyst, its size, characteristics and whether it is  causing any symptoms.

Watchful waiting: Pseudocysts and benign cysts can often be monitored without active treatment as long as they are not causing problems.

Drainage: A pseudocyst that is growing larger or causing symptoms can be drained. This may be done using endoscopic ultrasound and a needle to drain the cyst. Sometimes drainage through the skin, or even surgical draining, is necessary. Pseudocysts may recur if pancreatitis is ongoing.

Surgery: May be required for enlarged, painful, cancerous or precancerous pancreatic cysts.

As most pseudocysts are caused by pancreatitis, reducing the risk of pancreatitis is the best way to prevent pseudocysts.

Some risk factors for pancreatitis can be reduced through healthy lifestyle changes, such as:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Getting regular exercise
  • Avoiding smoking and alcohol

Eating a healthy diet with less fat and more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.

Get In Touch

    +971 58 881 0987

    available from 10:00 – 19:00

    Address Al Zahra Hospital Dubai Sheikh Zayed Rd – Al Barsha 1 Dubai – United Arab Emirates
    Email info@drmahmoudtabbal.com

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