Dilated pancreatic duct: Should I get a second opinion?

Hello @dtalent

I would like to join Colleen in welcoming you to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am glad that you posted your question regarding the liver lesions and the pancreatic duct problem. I have personally had pancreatic cysts as well as lesions on the liver. I know, as you do, the importance of these two organs, and whenever there is a problem, it is good to follow up.

You mentioned that this was found on a CT when you went to the ER for abdominal pain. Had you any other symptoms prior to that ER visit? I'm thing of digestive tract problems.

Yes, it would be a very good idea to seek a second opinion from a large medical center where they can sort out your symptoms as well as evaluate your CT scan. Large medical centers tend to be more research-oriented and thereby have more resources at their disposal to diagnose and treat problems.

Have you had any other testing done, such as blood work for the liver and pancreas functioning?

Hi, I wanted to add some things that were also alarming to me. My CBD is now dilated to 13, occult ampullary mass,
right adreanal myeliopoma,elavated LTFs,
Dilated Billary ducts,
Severe pancreas atrophy, cluster of T2 hyper intense foci w/ in pancreatic body, one measuring 3mm in tail,probable right adrenal myelollipoma, IPMN present in pancreas
All of this was from MRCP & Carscans done while I hospitalized for Pancreatic in June & July.
Nothing was done
Newest catscan revealed:
CBD dilated to 14 mm,
Lymphatic System: Mild portacaval adenopathy unchanged.
Bilirubin in Urine, High white blood cell
IPMN & neoplasms found

I do have an appointment with Mayo, Dec 14.:);)

But I like to understand what I’m dealing with.
Again I lost 30 lbs in 7 weeks, zero appetite, upper stomach pain( more on left side and pain radiates to left shoulder pain( feels like stabbing)
Diarrhea every day.
I don’t have any jaundice tho.
I would appreciate all & any comments

Every time I have been hospitalized they kept saying they couldn’t do a biopsy if they needed to because I was always do inflamed- Pancreas

Hi
I just had an MRCP done it showed a 7mm dilation this is up 2mm from last year according to the report but doctor said no change when they called me. No one seems worried but me, should I get a second opinion ?

Wasn’t really sure where to put this .
I recently had an MRCP done the report I received said 7mm dilation this is up 2mm from the one I had done last year. The nurse practitioner called and said no change and to follow up with one of the physicians in 6 months. No one seems concerned but me since everything I have read says there is a high risk of cancer. Can anyone shed some light on this subject or just clue me in TIA

Hi @doxie2, welcome. I moved your question about the increase in dialation of from 2mm to 7mm to this existing discussion started by catt8722
- Dilated pancreatic duct: Should I get a second opinion?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/dilated-pancreatic-duct/

I did this so you can connect with other members like @kate1951 @hopeful33250 and others.

Doxie, let me see if I'm understanding you correctly. You read your magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) report which stated a dialation of 7 mm. That is a change from 2mm from a previous MRCP. However you doctor said there was no change. You're concerned about the discrepancy. Did I get that right?

May I ask why the MRCP was ordered? What condition are they monitoring?

Hello @doxie2

I would like to join Colleen, @colleenyoung, in welcoming you to Connect. I can certainly understand your concerns in that the doctor's staff told you that there was no change and yet the report indicated that there was a change.

As Colleen asked, I'm wondering why this test has been repeated. Do you have symptoms of a pancreas disorder? Have blood tests indicated a disorder of the liver or pancreas?

Please know that if your doctor's staff cannot provide you with answers that put your mind at ease, it is always your right to get a second opinion.

How are you feeling, @doxie2?

Hello@hopeful33250, it started with pain in upper right quadrant probably pancreatitis, had ultrasound sound then MRCP then sent for a EUS, I guess that wanted it repeated in a year to see if there were any changes plus I am still having occasional pain. I am also on meds for reflux.

Hello, test was ordered originally because I had pain
I was sent for an ultrasound and they saw a dilation then I was sent for an MRCP
then anEUS then another MRCP almost a year to the day from the first one .

Doxie, I agree with @hopeful33250. It sounds like you have questions that your doctor should answer.

2 years ago I was diagnosed with a dilation of my main liver bile duct. My doctors chose a "wait and see" approach. About 6 months ago another CT scan was done, showing dilation of my pancreatic duct. My gastroenterologist did not want to perform ECRP because of the risks involved. I have undergone many diagnostic tests. I recently had surgery to remove and replace an Interstim device that will now allow me to have the MCRP which is being scheduled. I have lost 19 pounds since March 2022. I have challenged my doctor on his approach, but this only angered him. Naturally I am concerned about the weight loss, upper abdominal pain and nausea for which I take Phenergan on a daily basis. I have had so many diagnostic tests that I have lost count. I remain hopeful that the MCRP will give the doctor the answers he needs to approach my problem. I am not jaundiced and my liver enzyme values are normal, but I know that sometimes this is possible. Has anyone had a similar experience?