Since 1995 - Non Profit Healthcare Advice

Pancreatic cancer or just pancreatitis?

11/17/2008

Question:

Hello I am a 22 year old male and my doctor thinks I had an unknown case of acute pancreatitis. In the beginning of July I noticed irregular bowl movements and mucous in my stool with some blood. At the end of August I was hospitalized due to mild abdominal pain and high lipase and amalyse levels. I had an MRCP which showed inflammation and weeks later a CT scan which showed nothing, I had the CT scan because my blood was very high still 1 month later, it is now more than 2 months later and I have abnormal stools that sometimes float, are sometimes pale yellow, always contain some type of mucous and a little blood and still have elevated lipase and amaylase levels- my doctor says my levels are returning to normal but I am extremely concerned. I also am noticing that my stomach is making loud noises for the past 2 weeks and my stomach feels empty. I has a colonoscopy also, and it was normal. Do you think I could have pancreatic cancer, and the CT and MRI missed it? Why is it taking so long for my blood to return to normal and why haven`t Iv seen a normal stool for months now? I know I have given you much information and you do not have to answer every ?, but I really want to know what you think my chances of having cancer are and if you think a EUS should be done? Thank You For Your Time and sorry about asking so many ?`s, I am just very worried.

Answer:

At your age the chance of pancreas cancer is extremely rare. I do believe that you need to be seen by a pancreas expert and have them figure out why you had pancreatitis and why it has not completely resolved. In the mean time avoid alcohol and stay on a low fat diet.

For more information:

Go to the Pancreatic Cancer health topic.