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Dilated pancreatic duct: Should I get a second opinion?

Pancreatic Cancer | Last Active: Aug 5 9:59am | Replies (73)
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@kate1951

Brief History: I've been struggling with upper abdominal pain for about 9 months with 25lb weight loss due to nausea/pain after eating, poor appetite (feeling full), bloating, excessive weird belching. Gallbladder removed in hope of it being the problem. (Nope)! I've had numerous tests that don't reveal any masses but some abnormal findings. Ct scan showed dilated main pancreatic duct at 6mm and CBD dilated at 9mm. I had further testing -MRCP which showed main pancreatic duct was no longer dialed but still prominent at <4mm and CBD down to 6mm. My gastro Dr. does not seem to think any further follow-up is needed since the dilation has decreased. But still no relief with my issues after complete diet change. I I am confused after researching and learning of the "double duct sign" that there seems to be NO concern?

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Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Oct 2, 2021

Hello @kate1951 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I can certainly understand your concern. Any problems with the pancreas usually will cause concern. Personally, I've had three surgeries for a rare form of cancer in the upper digestive tract and when pancreatic cysts showed up on a CT, I became anxious as well. After almost 10 years of follow up the cysts have remained unchanged so I feel less anxious now.

I'm wondering if your GI doctor ran blood tests to check on the functioning of the pancreas? If you have access to the patient portal all blood tests and scan reports should show up there.

Have you had an exam with a GI doctor who specializes in the pancreas? If not, this might be a good option to determine if there is a problem.

There are a lot of post-gallbladder surgery complications as well. You might want to read about the symptoms that others have experienced after gallbladder removal. Here are some links to those discussions, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pain-at-old-gall-bladder-surgical-site/ and https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/post-cholesectomy-gallbladder-removal-chronic-back-pain/.

I would encourage you to be proactive in seeking another opinion rather than worrying about what you have been told. The best place for a second opinion would be a university medical school or a facility like Mayo Clinic. These health facilities tend to be research-oriented and tend to be very good at diagnosing complicated situations.

Is there a facility like that near you?

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