Could My Symptoms Indicate a Possible Pancreatic Tumor?

Is there a possibility of pancreatic tumor?

Hello Doctor, I am 29 years old and here is my situation.
Recently, on a night in November, I felt a dull ache and bloating in my right abdomen.
For several days, I have had a slight sensation in my right upper abdomen, but it is not as severe as it was on the day it first started hurting.
Later, I researched some medical information online and found that "right upper abdominal pain + right back pain" could indicate a pancreatic tumor.
I have both of these symptoms.
Since August of this year, I have been experiencing numbness near my right shoulder blade, the cause of which is unknown (I have scoliosis, but I am not sure if it is related).
Given these concerns, I quickly went to the hospital for an examination.
The doctor diagnosed me with two gallstones, fatty liver, and a hepatic hemangioma.
The doctor advised regular monitoring and suggested that I pay attention to my diet.
They prescribed me medication to take when I experience pain and mentioned that if the pain becomes severe, surgery may be considered.
However, I am still worried about the possibility of a pancreatic tumor.
This year, including my company health check, I have had three abdominal ultrasounds, and the results were consistent with what I mentioned above.
In October, my CA 19-9 levels were normal, but I have heard that pancreatic tumors are difficult to detect with ultrasound.
I have also heard that pancreatic tumors are more common in people who consume a lot of coffee, sweets, and meat (which I do).
I am becoming increasingly anxious; I no longer dare to drink coffee or tea, and I have started eating vegetables, which I previously disliked.
I would like to ask the doctor: do the symptoms of a pancreatic tumor align with my symptoms? Should I undergo further CT or MRI scans to check for a pancreatic tumor? Thank you.

A Yao, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/12/09

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Your symptoms can be explained by gallstones.
If the doctor has diagnosed you with no pancreatic tumor and multiple tests have shown the same results, there is no need to worry too much.

Reply Date: 2016/12/09

More Info

Your concerns about the possibility of a pancreatic tumor are understandable, especially given your symptoms and family history. However, it is important to approach this situation with a clear understanding of the medical context.

Firstly, the symptoms you describe—right upper abdominal discomfort and right-sided back pain—can indeed be associated with various conditions, including pancreatic issues. However, they are not definitive indicators of pancreatic cancer. The presence of gallstones, as diagnosed by your physician, can explain your abdominal discomfort. Gallstones can cause pain in the upper right abdomen and may radiate to the back, mimicking the symptoms associated with pancreatic issues.
Moreover, the CA 19-9 marker you mentioned is often used as a tumor marker for pancreatic cancer, but it is not specific. Normal levels of CA 19-9, as you reported, significantly reduce the likelihood of pancreatic cancer, especially when combined with multiple ultrasounds that have not indicated any suspicious masses. It is also worth noting that pancreatic tumors can be difficult to detect on ultrasound due to their location and the surrounding structures. However, if your ultrasounds have consistently shown no abnormalities, this is a reassuring sign.

Regarding your lifestyle factors, while certain dietary habits and lifestyle choices (such as high coffee, sugar, and meat consumption) can contribute to pancreatic health issues, they do not directly correlate with the development of pancreatic cancer in a straightforward manner. The relationship between diet and pancreatic cancer is complex and still under investigation.
As for your concerns about needing further imaging like a CT or MRI, it is essential to weigh the risks and benefits. If your symptoms persist or worsen, or if new symptoms arise, discussing further imaging with your healthcare provider would be prudent. CT scans and MRIs can provide more detailed images of the pancreas and surrounding structures, which may help in ruling out any serious conditions. However, if your symptoms are stable and manageable, and your physician has advised monitoring, it may be reasonable to follow that plan.

In summary, while your symptoms warrant attention, the current medical evaluations suggest that your issues are more likely related to gallstones and possibly other benign conditions rather than a pancreatic tumor. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and being vigilant about any new or worsening symptoms are the best approaches moving forward. If you have persistent anxiety about your health, consider discussing your concerns with a mental health professional, as anxiety can often exacerbate physical symptoms.

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