Fatty infiltration of the pancreas...does this make you at higher risk for malignancy

[Luella62]

I've been told that I have fatty infiltration of the pancreas.. probably.  Does this increase the risk of getting cancer of the pancreas?
Also if it is not fatty infiltration, what else could it be?


This discussion is related to fatty infiltration of pancreas.

[lily1957]

Were you told you have pancreas cancer?

[shorty1962]

Like your husband, I too have had similar symtoms for 18+ months.  I have been through thyroid cancer in 2006 and have a paralyized vocal cord from surgery.  I have had pain in the upper right abdomen that stretches to the mid area and right side of belly button and a little below.  I just had an ultrasound and my liver, gallbladder, spleen, and kidneys are fine.  There is a hemangioma in my liver, but it sounds like a benign tumor.  The report said there is a fatty change in my pancreas.  My last three blood tests (over 5 months) show my white blood count is climing.  Last test is showing 10,800.  I have constant mild pain and at times it is bad and radiates to my right side of my back.  I am not overweight, but I do have a couple glasses of wine a week.  sometimes less...  Dr.'s look at me and say "you look good" and off I go.  Unfortunately, the day they told me I have cancer I looked hella good and felt good too..  any suggestions.
j

[boron]

Problems connected with pancreas divisum should be debated by a surgeon. He can perform appropriate investigations and decide about appropriate (surgical) cure.

http://www.stlukes-stl.com/health_content/health_ency/1/000247.htm

[wisheditwouldgoaway]

My husband has been sick for 18 months with monthly attacks. The attacks are pancreatitus like attacks, but his liver and bloodwork show no evidence of chronic or acute pancreatitius. Although he was born with pancrea divisum. do any of you guys that have fatty pancreas have this condition? My husband was also told that he had a fatty pancreas after an enscopic ultrasound.

[boron]

Are you overweight? Search for "fatty pancreas".

[jrsygal]

On my ct scan it said I have extensive fatty infiltration of the Pancreas and I am slender and I don't drink...who knows what it means, thats where the doctor comes in so he can explain to me exactly what the deal is.

[boron]

Fatty pancreas (like fatty liver) may be from being overweight. Also from alcohol.

Being overweight is (according to below research) not a risk factor for pancreatic cancer.
http://www.joplink.net/prev/200509/200509_00.pdf

[maangier]

I too have been told I have fatty infiltrates in my pancreas.  I was told this is a result of being overweight.

[boron]

Well, it could be pancreatitis of any cause. You should get exact diagnosis (CT + blood test for pancreatic function + eventual biopsy of pancreas). Ultrasound is not enough.