Did anyone start out having pancreatic cysts that became cancer later?

Posted by sweettea @sweettea, Apr 10 5:46pm

I was told that I have cysts in my pancreas 2 years ago, and that I don’t need to have an MRI again until 2025. This time is concerning to me.

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@carfbuch

@carfbuch Two months ago after undergoing an abdominal CT, a 3 cm Mucinous cyst was identified. After additional testing (MRI, CT, and EU/FNA) were done, cyst recession was advised by two different Drs. My question is, do Drs. know what the % probability is for the different types of cysts of becoming cancerous? The Whipple procedure is quite a complex surgery and not without some significant permanent morbidities such as life long enzymes need and diabetes. Thank you for feedback!

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@carfbuch , This study discusses some of the findings from early/continuous monitoring, and gives some insights into numbers of how many turned malignant and what the treatment outcomes were. Maybe not exactly what you were looking for, but in the ball park?
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6120797/

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@optimist1591

Question to all: I am a two time cancer person already...breast and thyroid (25 and 15 yrs ago respectively). Last month, lesions were found in my pancreas, 1.3 cm. I'm told protocol is to wait another 6 months for a second MRI to detect growth or stability. I'm STILL trying to get an answer from doc as to whether protocol for a cancer person should differ and if I should have another MRI (or something else?) sooner. Any advice, similar situations are all appreciated. Thank you.

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I would not wait. Perhaps you should get a second opinion, or explain to your doctor that you want the best chemo available for Pcan.

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@carfbuch

@carfbuch Two months ago after undergoing an abdominal CT, a 3 cm Mucinous cyst was identified. After additional testing (MRI, CT, and EU/FNA) were done, cyst recession was advised by two different Drs. My question is, do Drs. know what the % probability is for the different types of cysts of becoming cancerous? The Whipple procedure is quite a complex surgery and not without some significant permanent morbidities such as life long enzymes need and diabetes. Thank you for feedback!

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Just so you know, I had the Whipple. I take enzymes each time I put something in my mouth. Plus to that, you THINK before you eat....makes maintaining a health weight easier. Secondly, I did NOT become diabetic after my Whipple. I have only 1/3 of my pancreas.

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@markymarkfl

@carfbuch , This study discusses some of the findings from early/continuous monitoring, and gives some insights into numbers of how many turned malignant and what the treatment outcomes were. Maybe not exactly what you were looking for, but in the ball park?
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6120797/

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Thank you for the link. Being a science minded person, having supporting data helps me make decisions.

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@pancreaticcsurvivor

Just so you know, I had the Whipple. I take enzymes each time I put something in my mouth. Plus to that, you THINK before you eat....makes maintaining a health weight easier. Secondly, I did NOT become diabetic after my Whipple. I have only 1/3 of my pancreas.

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Thank you for the feedback. Did you work with a dietician post-surgery to help you with diet adjustments? Glad to head you did not become diabetic, seems digestive issues are the most common challenges of the Whipple.

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I have always eaten "low fat" and whole grains my whole life....to avoid gaining weight. I like to be slim & fit, so no, I did not need to change my diet at all nor see a dietician. While recovering from my Whipple in the hospital, a dietician came to see me but only had one question. "Are you vegetarian?" I am not. Getting enough protein to heal, was her concern. I have always eaten eggs, meat, etc. Now, I eat 2 eggs every single morning to ensure I have enough protein. Lot of fruits and vegetable are part of my diet. I avoid pasta and too many carbs, as I always had a sit-down job so knew I didn't need to eat like a hard working farmer ! Lol. (I'm originally from a farm)

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@pancreaticcsurvivor

I have always eaten "low fat" and whole grains my whole life....to avoid gaining weight. I like to be slim & fit, so no, I did not need to change my diet at all nor see a dietician. While recovering from my Whipple in the hospital, a dietician came to see me but only had one question. "Are you vegetarian?" I am not. Getting enough protein to heal, was her concern. I have always eaten eggs, meat, etc. Now, I eat 2 eggs every single morning to ensure I have enough protein. Lot of fruits and vegetable are part of my diet. I avoid pasta and too many carbs, as I always had a sit-down job so knew I didn't need to eat like a hard working farmer ! Lol. (I'm originally from a farm)

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Thank you for the feedback! Your diet sounds great! and cutting down on sugars and carbs is a great idea as well.

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