I just diagnosed with IPMN and Pancreatic duct dilated

You have 2 conditions (IPMN & dilated duct) that may be related, are not necessarily reasons to panic, but do require on-going monitoring.

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) are cysts/tumors (neoplasms) that grow within the pancreatic ducts (intraductal) characterized by the production of thick fluid by the tumor cells (mucinous) and with bump or finger-like shape (papillary). They are not that uncommon in older adults, are usually benign, but can become cancerous.

The dilatation (localized widening) of the duct is caused by something - a blockage or tumor - that maybe related to the IPMN.

In either case, their location on the pancreas (head, body, tail) size, growth rate, biopsy results, and several other factors determine what actions need to be taken. In my particular case, the IPMN was in a branch duct (vs main duct) of the head and did not cause a dilation. After several years of monitoring, it checked enough boxes that I had a Whipple procedure to remove it.

Just curious…Was it benign when Whipple was done? Thanks

Yes, the pathology reports from all the parts removed were negative. Before surgery, all of the IPMN characteristics indicated a “not if, but when” situation where waiting only made the prognosis worse, including my ability to withstand the surgery.