What does pancreatic cyst size indicate?

The size of a pancreatic cyst can indicate whether physicians should treat it by draining the fluid, notes the Cleveland Clinic. Typically, pancreatic cysts are drained if they are larger than 6 centimeters. The size of a pancreatic cyst can also cause symptoms, states MedicineNet.

Many pancreatic cysts that are less than 2 centimeters cause no symptoms, according to MedicineNet. Larger cysts can cause abdominal pain, jaundice and vomiting, depending on their locations in the pancreas. If a cyst becomes infected, it can cause fever and chills. Those that continue to become larger may be drained using laparoscopic surgery, percutaneous catheter or endosopy, as stated by the Cleveland Clinic.