Overview

Healthcare providers diagnose a pancreatic cyst using:

  • Radiology: High-quality imaging, like a CT or MRI scan, can detect pancreatic cysts. Some types of cysts are immediately recognizable in radiology, but others need additional testing to identify the type or to check for cancer cells. In these cases, healthcare providers need to take a sample of the cyst (biopsy).
  • Endoscopic ultrasound / Fine needle aspiration (EU-FNA): A procedure called endoscopic ultrasound allows a provider to access a pancreatic cyst through a tiny endoscope, guided by a tiny ultrasound wand. They use a fine needle to take tissue and fluid samples for analysis (fine needle aspiration).
  • Fluid analysis: Healthcare providers analyze the content of the cystic fluid in a lab to determine the type. This is also called cytology. They look for things like mucin, which can help identify mucinous neoplasms, and tumor markers like carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a blood protein that can help predict cancer.
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Symptoms

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.
The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:
  • High blood pressure.
  • Diabetes.
  • Heart failure.
  • Some types of heart valve disease.
Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:
  • Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
  • Don't smoke or use tobacco.
  • Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
  • Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
  • Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Reduce and manage stress.


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