Ablation of Non-malignant Pancreatic Cyst

I also have been looking into ablation. I am 81 and have multiple cysts in the pancreas - 2 of which are suspicious for malignancy with thickened walls. And, high CA 19-9 and CEA. However, three biopsies have failed to show more than high dysplasia. I am not a candidate for complete pancreatectony. Ablation seems the only proactive option out there. RFA is what is likely. The CHARM trials exclude anyone with suspious neoplasms/characteristics. The procedure doesn't address anything except the cyst fluids according to the doctors I've talked to. I am working with the Hoag Clinic, Dr. Kenneth Chang for a second opinion. They are reviewing my tests to see if partially removal of the suspect cysts is an option and RFA ablation as a secondary procedure if surgery is out. The doctor who was involved with ablations at the Mayo Clinic in AZ where I am staying is currently on indeterminate leave, so CA is the closest recognized facility who is involved with ablation. Good luck.

I'm a 75-yo man who was recently diagnosed with a Branch Duct-IPMN in the tail of the pancreas after an endoscopic ultrasound and a failed biopsy. The cyst is irregular and about 18mm and is composed of four chambers. The pancreatic duct is dilated 5-7mm. Endoscopic doctor recommended a repeat after 6 months. Getting a 2nd opinion from Mayo tomorrow via telephone. Interested in hearing your experiences with dealing with this at an early stage. I have no symptoms; the cyst was found by chance during a CT-scan of my colon due to having an severe attack of constipation, Colon was fine, and I finally had a bowel movement the next day.

@tikchik1 I had Chemablation at Penn State Hospital in Hershey PA yesterday morning. I am only the 2nd person with a main duct IPMN to have this done. The first whose pancreas was dilated to 15mm. I spent the night in the hospital for observation but so far have had no side effects. It’s a short procedure and I may have it redone in 6 months. At 74 this was the only treatment I am comfortable with.

The only other option was a Total Pancreatectomy and I wasn’t prepared for the challenges afterwards.