Pancreatitis Support Group
Chronic pancreatitis can present as episodes of acute inflammation in a previously injured pancreas, or as chronic damage with persistent pain or malabsorption. Patients with chronic pancreatitis can present with persistent abdominal pain or steatorrhea, as well as severe nausea. Some patients with chronic pancreatitis often look very sick, while others don't appear to be...
My brother died at age 46 from pancreatic cancer. I almost 55. EUS shows pancreatic divisum, early pancreatitis and a 4 mm cyst. I feel well and have no symptoms GI is a leader in PC detection and was the one who urged me to have this done. He is not concerned at all and wants me to have an MRI/MRCP in early Dec and EUS in 6 months. I just found out today that someone I know who passes away 2 years ago had the same thing I had as described above but was very sick all the time with pain, nausea and vomiting. She had a ton of imaging tests and blood tests and PC never showed up until it was too late. I have the same doctor. I don't know how this could happen. He suspected she had it but the data wasn't there to prove it for months. Has anyone ever heard of someone having PC symptoms and having all tests for months without finding the cancer. They finally had to go in and open her up. I am just nervous because my story is similar without all the pain and symptoms.
If I were in your shoes, Id request a follow up EUS with a biopsy. Have you had a CA 19 done? To give you an idea on how much I pushed after my first attack I had a CT right away followed by an EUS than a follow up EUS and MRI 6 months later with EUS every year.
Yes, Ive heard a lot of people who have normal tests for maybe "minor" inflammation showing for it to have actually been cancer the whole time. That is why I am SO diligent. Even biopsies can come back normal and I just read 2 cases of that.
How long did your friend go from not being diagnosed to being diagnosed?
The best you can do, which is what I do is follow up on it often so if it
does turn out to be PC you get it early.
Who is your dr? Perhaps another opinion.
Have you had genetic tests?
For more data you can consider looking at studies about early detection of PC and what method of testing provides the highest sensitivity and specificity
Lucky you have a doctor who is concerned and has a great follow up plan for you setup. Most early screenings are only available to those who have family history, 2 or more first degree relatives.