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Anyone have/had BD-IPMN (branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous)?

Posted by pattyclaire @pattyclaire, May 17, 2023

CT showed it as a hypodensity then MRCP showed it is a 1 cm BD-IPMN. I had to push for the MRI/MRCP because the gastroenterologist completely dismissed it as “nothing” and wanted to follow up with “another CT in a year” even though my symptoms are abd pain, nausea, and weight loss. So now MRCP shows it is a IPMN. I was referred to a different GI doc but I am afraid he will also not take it seriously due to it being small, only 1 cm. In my gut I believe I have PC. I just want a GI doc to take it seriously and get the diagnosis. Has anyone had a IPMN that was benign or malignant on biopsy? Also, can’t 1 cm still be PC? I imagine it is unusual to catch it so small but shouldn’t we still be aggressive for diagnosis even though it is < 2 cm? These docs make me feel like I’m over-reacting and it is so frustrating. I know I won’t be satisfied until I have it biopsied. Am I over-reacting?

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Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | 3 days ago
In reply to @craigjulian "I live with a lot of anxiety and fear with this IPMN. I have had nausea,..." + (show)
@craigjulian

I live with a lot of anxiety and fear with this IPMN. I have had nausea, indigestion, bloating, trapped gas, and a lot of constipation for 18 months. Last week my GI provider did a Pancreatic Elastase-1 stool test and it was 54 which means I’m severely deficient in pancreatic enzymes. So now I also have EPI and she wants to put me on Creon to help with digestion. I also have developed middle back pain about a week ago which is adding more fuel to my fire. So now, I have all these GI symptoms, EPI, 0.8 cm IPMN in the uncinate process, middle back pain, and mild pancreatic atrophy, I’m panicking that I have pancreatic cancer or that it’s coming soon. All my labs, including lipase and lypase are normal and I did a CA19-9 three months ago and it was 4. I moved up my MRCP to next Thursday. That’s where I’m at today.

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Hello @craigjulian,

I am sorry to hear of all of these uncomfortable symptoms you are experiencing. I would encourage you, however, not to jump to conclusions that are not valid at this time. I am glad to hear that you will be having the MRCP next week. I hope that will put your mind at ease.

The good news is that your blood work is normal. Are there any activities that you can get involved in right now to take your mind off the worst-case-scenario that is causing you to be so upset right now? I'm thinking about lunch with friends, perhaps seeing a movie or getting involved in a hobby or craft that you enjoy?

I look forward to hearing from you again. I'm also wondering if you have started taking the Creon yet to see if that helps your symptoms.

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