LUQ Pain, IPMN - Help!

I have an 8mm x 6 mm IPMN communicating with the sidebranches of the pancreatic duct.  Currently monitoring with imaging - recommended not removing unless it enlarges.  However, about 1 year ago I started having pain in a very exact spot to the left and slightly above my belly button.  It would come and go.  No other symptoms.  Now it has progressed to a more sever pain and it right along the rib-line in the ULQ.  It started this morning - about 25 minutes after having coffee and is still present about 4 hours later.  Does this sound like some type of an ulcer or possibly related to the pancreas?  I did also have some minor symptoms related to pancreatitis (hyperechoic stranding, etc) - but not enough to be diagnostically positive.  I do not drink.  Help??

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi,
Upper abdominal pain lasting for hours is most likely due to pancreatitis rather than ulcer.
IPMN can cause pancreatitis.
You need to consult your gastroenterologist regarding the next course of action for IPMN and he may proceed with surgical treatment.