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Avatar universal

lesion in pancreas

Dear Doc,
i had my annual health check mid march and among a CT and Ultrasound of abdomen a details blood work.
Actually all blood work came back fine despite some elevated Cholesterol.

But i was surprised i got the note i have a 12mm lesion in the head of pancreas as was found in ultrasound. But CT didn't find it. Also CEA and 19-9 cancer markers were done as standard exams and all very low values same as for all liver and pancreas blood tests. I had a follow-up ultrasound 5 weeks after initial test (1 week after i got results back) and the doc said he thinks its a normal cyst and annual follow-up is recommended. Btw. in my last year abdomen ultrasound there was everything ok.

I am 37 yo male drink one a week and smoked for 3 years and stopped last moth. Do you see any risk this lesion could be cancer? and if so is that likely with my background? I am really with all that and a bit puzzled...can you pls give me some advice?

Thank you,
M.

3 Responses
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351246 tn?1379682132
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
No one can say why the cysts appear--could be infection, over-action of gland or any unknown reason!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
thank you Doctor Mathur, I appreciate your quick reply. I will have an MRI in 10 days and guess will see more then for sure.

But as you can imagine i am quite nervous...on the other hand both docs who saw me were not too concerned somehow, though i am. I got the ultrasound images from the 2nd doctors (its a cyst and follow up in 12 months recommended) opinion and its basically a black rather round shape and nothing white just black. anyway i know you can't diagnose from here and MRI will better tell.

Last question if i may, what could cause such a cyst to appear? i was last year 3 times on antibiotics, could that be a reason?!

thank you again Doc, much appreciate your time.
M.
Helpful - 0
351246 tn?1379682132
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi!

Well, medical advancement brings with it many problems. Once is over detection of things which may not be of much clinical significance. One such advancement is in imaging studies. While it often helps detect problems early, it also notifies things which start causing concern for no reason.

In this group I would place cystic lesions of the pancreas. Ask your doctor if this lesion in head of pancreas is a cyst in appearance? If it is a cyst, then usually most pancreatic cysts are benign. They also come and go, so may not have been there on your last ultrasound. Some cysts are premalignant, and usually a wait and watch approach is adopted regarding this. Also, malignant cysts occur at a later age and the margin is irregular and often there is calcification.

If you do not have a family history of cancer, and if all your blood parameters are normal, then, the chance of malignancy is pretty low. However, if you have a family history of cancer, then you need to be careful about your follow-ups (don’t miss them). Also, I would suggest you opt for a MRI next time as this gives a better view of soft tissues.

If the lesion is solid, then if it is irregular, solid and cystic both, then yes, it could be malignant. If the solid tumor is smooth and margins are smooth, then chances of malignancy are pretty less.

Since your doctors feel it is a cyst, I would opt more in favor of a benign lesion. However, nothing can be said for sure on net. So, considering the features I mentioned, discuss with your doctor what your lesion looks like. Be regular with your follow-ups. Since your cholesterol is high, take medications for it after asking your doctor. Adopt a healthy lifestyle (am glad you stopped smoking). You can drink once a week, but please do not go overboard. Eat healthy and exercise.

I sincerely hope you will find this information useful in your discussion with your doctor.
Good Luck and take care!
Helpful - 0

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