Cyst on Pancreas?

Resxan, I agree with @jeanne5009. Keep asking questions. While your doctor may not be concerned, this is because he or she has medical knowledge to inform their understanding of the lab results. Ask them why they are not concerned at this time. I would also ask things like:
- Are the cysts benign (non-cancerous)?
- Do they need to be removed?
- What are the risks of not removing them? What are the risks of removal?
- Will you continue to monitor the cysts? How and how often?
- What signs or symptoms should I look out for?

Jeanne, @faithann64, @hopeful33250, what other question do you think @rexsan20 should think to ask?

Hi @rexsan20,

I'm glad that Colleen, @colleenyoung, invited me to discuss this with you, as I have also had long-term cysts on the pancreas. Fortunately, they have remained unchanged over the years. Because of my history of a rare form of cancer in the upper digestive area, I was doubly concerned about these having the potential of being cancerous.

It is important that you talk with your doctor about regular follow-ups. From my understanding, an ultrasound upper endoscopy is the best way for doctors to see these cysts. Have you had that done? After that regular MRIs are a good idea. In the years when I don't have an MRI, I ask my doctor to run blood work specifically for pancreas functioning.

I hope this gives you some ideas on how to proceed. Please remember that if your current doctor does not communicate with you in a manner in which you feel comfortable it is always your right to seek a second opinion.

I had my Biopsy (Cyst On Pancreas ) 4/7/21 and haven't heard back from my Surgeon yet ? I did notice on-line on my Claims & Payments Insurance that they paid for Lab Procedure Code R970 . It says Higher than normal level Carcinoembryonic Antigen ( CEA ) ?? Don't know what that means ?? Anyone have had this ?? Thanks

Hello @faithann64,

I found this information on Mayo Clinic's Lab website. It will give you some information about this test, https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/8521

Have you checked the patient portal to see if the biopsy results have posted yet? When they do post you can find out what the CEA level is and perhaps that could give you some more information.

Since you said that the biopsy was a week ago, have you considered calling the office and asking if the results are ready for you to review on the patient portal? Or you could consider asking them about this test and ask specifically what your CEA number was. It is good to be proactive in relation to your health. As we advocate for ourselves it helps us feel more in control.

I look forward to hearing from you again.

Thank You. Nothing on patient portal yet ? Gonna try calling tomorrow.

Good idea, @faithann64!

Ulcerative colitis ..... I’ve read lots of information on diet....... I have this but want it to get better......

So the Doctors office finally contacted me this morning and told me the cyst on pancreas was small and the biopsy didn't really show anything worrisome ? Nurse said I will need annual checkups to keep an eye on the cyst .

I'm so pleased for you @faithann64. I am sure you are relieved as well,

The annual check-ups are very typical. After several years of no changes, my doctor went to an every other year check-up. Even though the doctor did not recommend it, in the years when I don't have an MRI, I ask for a blood test to check the pancreas' functioning. I feel that it is always good to advocate for yourself and not leave anything to chance.

Were you able to get a copy of the reports of the test and biopsy?

Has anyone had a pancreati cyst , I am 42 years old female from south africa diagnosed with a cyst on the neck of my pancrease am de astated