Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

mass on panceras

i was toldv i have a mass on my panceras,but i can't have a mri because i have a nureo stimulater implant and a cage plates and screws in my back, what kind of other test can be done to determine what it is.
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
thank you for your comment on my condition,i went to the dr. and they also found a small tumor on my adrenal gland [left kidney] my problem seems to get worst since i only have one kidney,but i stll appericate your input, thank you.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
If the metal you have in your body is not close to the pancreas, they can do a CAT scan, which is radiation like X-rays rather than a magnetic field of MRI, so metal doesn't goof the whole thing up.  They can also do a needle biopsy, too, the CAT scan guides the surgeon to the correct place, but the amount of tissue that needle can take is sometimes too small to be sure if the mass is benign, but if it shows up as a cancer, well, they will likely want to do surgery and so forth.  

But if the metal is situated right where the pancreas is, it may interfere with the visualization the scan can do, and they also may not be able to do a needle biopsy since the CAT scan shows where to take the tissue.  

But if they can't see the mass with a scan because of your body metal, they can do a type of endoscope procedure down the throat, they put you to sleep, and they can biopsy the pancreas that way, but again accuracy is faulty as to whether the mass is benign because of how small the needle is on that device.

I think you could get a CAT scan, even if the metal may be questionably close to the pancreas, because at least they could get SOME sort of view.  And if the metal is in another location, well, that is the way to go as far as determining whether they need to do an exploratory operation and take a larger amount of tissue to biopsy, and then depending on the result of the biopsy or what they see when they open you up,  the surgeon can determine from there whether to remove the mass or any additional treatment you might need.

Obviously you need a gastroenterologist to be involved in your case, and not to worry, the mass may just be some fatty tissue and nothing to worry about.  Hope this helps.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Gastroenterology Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Learn which OTC medications can help relieve your digestive troubles.
Is a gluten-free diet right for you?
Discover common causes of and remedies for heartburn.
This common yet mysterious bowel condition plagues millions of Americans
Don't get burned again. Banish nighttime heartburn with these quick tips
Get answers to your top questions about this pervasive digestive problem