can anybody help

Hi, I am a 41 yr old female. Since I was 26 I have had recurrent episodes of pancreatitis (now averaging 1 attack every 4-6 weeks). I have been told that I have pancreatic insufficiency and have pale stools and dark urine. I have upper back pain that is worse at night and not aggravated by moving but is slightly eased when walking and ,epigastric pain and nausea. I have lost nearly 4st in weight and yet the DR's don't know why I keep getting the attacks. I have had my gallbladder removed ( it was normal). I have had a CT scan which showed 'slight dilation, nothing to worry about' and on US my pancreas can't be seen. My bloods have shown abnormalities in LFT's, amylase and lipase but not consistently. An ERCP done 12 yrs ago showed nothing abnormal but consultant is reluctant to repeat the ERCP as I had an attack after the procedure. I am needing more and more analgesia at stronger and stronger doses but am still constantly in pain. Could it be pancreatic cancer? If not what else could it be?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I agree with the CT scan and ERCP, with the latter test evaluating the biliary tree.  

Pancreatic cancer is always a concern, and can be difficult to diagnosis.  The tests of choice would be either an endoscopic ultrasound or an MRI.  If cancer is a concern, these tests should be considered.

A substitute for the ERCP would be an MRCP, which is a type of MRI that can also image the biliary tree.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin Pho, M.D.
KevinMD.com

[gymbug]

A related discussion, confused was started.