← Return to Anyone have diffuse pancreatic parenchymal atrophy (DPA)?

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@eljay

I’m following this topic with great interest as I’ve been diagnosed with this as well. My gastro doctor said it can and does happen as we age (I’m 71). I’ve also got several small cysts on my pancreas that communicate with the duct with no ductal dialation. I’ve had 4 MRIs in the past year and there’s been no change in the cysts or pancreas. My gastro doctor says we will just test every 6 months and keep a watchful eye. I feel like I am a walking time bomb!

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Replies to "I’m following this topic with great interest as I’ve been diagnosed with this as well. My..."

I'm 52, and I feel the same way

Just in terms of these cysts, the rate of these turning into cancer are exceeding slim. In fact, experts are now saying that having an IPMN without worrisome features gives no greater risk of cancer than those without IPMN's. Here's a quote with the article following (associated with Mayo clinic)
“The real take-home message is that in the absence of worrisome features people [with an IPMN] should feel comfortable that their risk is no higher than the general population for developing pancreatic cancer,” Dr. Frankel said in an interview." I hope that news will make you feel less of a target. I have 3 IPMN's myself. https://www.mdedge.com/gihepnews/article/266799/gi-oncology/pancreatic-cystic-neoplasms-rarely-turn-cancerous-study-shows