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Chronic pancreatitis and possible mass?

Posted , 3 users are following.

john84488
john84488

Hello everyone.  Quick history: I had acute pancreatitis when I was 16 due to a medication.  I had another attack, this one quite severe, when I was 22 with no known cause.  I'm 38 now.  In march this year, I had a mild episode of pancreatitis that lasted about a week.  It didn't require hospitalization, just 5-6 days of clear liquids and everything seemed to go back to normal.  I had a CT done at this time, which came back all clear except for some mild inflammation.  In mid-may, the inflammation came back again and it never really has fully gone away.  Again, it's pretty mild, more of a nuisance/discomfort than actual pain.  I was referred to a gastroenterologist who ordered an MRCP scan.  In the follow up, the doc told me there was an abnormality in or around one of the ducts and that he was going to refer me to yet another specialist to do an ultrasound scope for a better look.  That appointment is pending sometime after July 9.  The doc also didn't directly mention cancer until I brought it up (he mentioned the ultrasound scope would spot any possible lesions or tumors and I stopped him).  He said he couldn't definitively say "no" to pancreatic cancer but that he didn't want me to lose any sleep or be anxious over it, as someone my age developing that cancer is very rare.  Obviously, I'm having a hard time not worrying about it.

Here is the report from the MCRP:

Abdominal Solid Organs

-Liver: No evidence of a mass.

-Gallbladder: No cholelithiasis.

-Biliary tree: No choledocholithiasis, stricture, or pathologic dilation.

-Pancreas: There is progressive atrophy of the tail of pancreas, consistent

with chronic pancreatitis. There is slight dilatation of the proximal main

pancreatic duct. It narrows in the head of the pancreas. There is mild

heterogeneity of signal in the head of the pancreas and it is focal as compared

to the rest of the organ. The question of a mass in the head of the pancreas

versus distal pancreatic duct stricture is raised. The small caliber distal

duct is visualized at the ampulla. There is no evidence of pancreas divisum.

-Spleen: No splenomegaly.

-Adrenal glands: Unremarkable.

-Kidneys: No hydronephrosis.

I don't know what any of this means and trying to use google is only making me a nervous wreck.  Can anyone here maybe break it down for me?  Thank you.

1 like, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • chelsey72022
    chelsey72022 john84488

    Posted

    Its saying the pancreatic duct in the head of your pancreas is larger than it should be and that they want to rule out the possibility of it being due to a mass. It also says that the tissue that makes up the head of your pancreas is different than the tissue that makes up the rest which is very common with cp.

    I know pan can is terrifying I've had my own struggles with being worried sick. I think you should find solace in knowing that the rest of your organs look great (if cancer was present and spread it should have been visualized) and that while yes you have pancreas pain most people who suffer from cp have pain daily. I truly think you've just progressed to cp and that your eus will show this.

    I truly hope everything goes well for you please keep us updated.

    (I dont know if you have face book but if you look up pancreatitis there are a few really good support groups with people who have a plethora of information.)

    I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice nor should it act in lieu of you seeking treatment from your physician.

    • chelsey72022
      chelsey72022

      Posted

      I'm sorry just re read its saying the duct at the tail is larger than should be

  • kay82451
    kay82451 john84488

    Posted

    I’m sorry but we are not Drs.  No one here should be telling you what they think.  I agree STAY OFF THE INTERNET!!!  Wait out your appt !!! Everyone who goes on the internet thinks they MIGHT have PC. No Dr is going to tell you you do or don’t unless they are sure !!!  I feel bad for you but no two people have the exact same issues.  You need to take care of yourself and wait !!!!

    Please keep me updated.  Wishing you the best. 

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