Can pancreatic cystic lesions heal on their own?

Pancreatic cystic lesions, if benign and asymptomatic, may resolve spontaneously. However, true cysts or malignant lesions generally cannot heal on their own. If discomfort or symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and follow medical advice for treatment.

Some pancreatic cystic lesions, such as serous cystadenomas, due to their benign nature, may remain stable or slowly enlarge over time, and some small cysts may even stabilize or shrink spontaneously. If the cyst is small and not causing any symptoms, regular follow-up observation may be sufficient, and immediate surgical intervention might not be necessary, as there is a possibility of spontaneous resolution.

However, it should be noted that true cysts contain epithelial tissue and continuously secrete fluid, making the cystic fluid non-absorbable, thus they cannot heal spontaneously. Cystic tumors, including cystadenomas and cystadenocarcinomas, are neoplastic conditions that will not disappear on their own and require active treatment. If the cyst is large or symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, or others are already present, active treatment is typically required to prevent disease progression or complications.

During follow-up, it is recommended to undergo necessary imaging examinations as advised by a physician to detect any changes in the lesion promptly. In daily life, maintaining a light diet and adequate rest is advised, and excessive fatigue should be avoided to prevent adverse effects on overall health.